COVID-19 Resource Hub

While the COVID-19 vaccine with a booster shot is still the best protection against COVID-19, if patients, particularly those who are at high risk, test positive for COVID-19 at home or at a lab, new oral treatments are strongly recommended.

Molnupiravir and Paxlovid are antiviral pills proven to help people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. These pills must be taken within five days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, with Paxlovid currently reserved for patients at highest risk for progressing to severe symptoms and hospitalization. Taking one of these medications within the first five days of symptoms (when people may not yet feel severely ill) has been shown to make people feel better, prevent them from getting sicker, and prevent hospitalization and death.

If you test for COVID-19 at Grand Itasca and have a positive result, you will receive a phone call from Fairview providing you instructions for receiving a prescription for one of these drugs. If you test at home and have a positive result, you may schedule a virtual visit with your provider to discuss your options for oral treatment. Virtual visits may be scheduled on MyChart or by calling our appointment line. 

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus discovered in China in late 2019. This virus is known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It comes from the coronavirus family, a large group of viruses. While some coronaviruses cause illnesses in people, others only circulate among animals. The virus causing COVID-19 may have emerged from an animal source, and it is now able to spread from person-to-person.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested.

Symptoms common with COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills

• Cough (new or worsened)

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• New muscle or body aches

• New headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion

• New and unexplained nausea or vomiting (throwing up)

• Diarrhea (loose stools)

• New and unexplained feeling of being tired or weak

 

Most people with COVID-19 experience a mild illness and will recover at home. Our care team will evaluate your symptoms and provide you with a care plan.

If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms or any other emergency, please do not delay care. We are prepared to care for you safely. However, if possible, we ask you to call our main line at 218-326-3401 in advance, so we can be prepared for your arrival.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 in Itasca County, we have taken additional steps to ensure the health of our patients, including limiting visitors in our buildings.

Here are our current visitor restrictions:

• One (1) visitor is allowed for adult patients in the surgery, emergency department, clinic and infusion. 
• Two (2) visitors are allowed for adult patients in the hospital and intensive care. 
• Two (2) visitors are allowed for labor & delivery patients.
• Two (2) visitors are allowed for all pediatric patients. 
• Two (2) visitors are allowed for patients in end-of-life care.
• No (0) visitors are allowed for COVID-positive or COVID-suspected patients.

Other important notes about visiting a loved one at Grand Itasca:

• People who are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19 are not allowed to visit patients. Those with a history of COVID-19 can visit if they pass screening criteria.
• Adult patients are those 18 years of age and older and pediatrics are 17 years of age and younger. 
• All visitors must be 12 years or older and high-risk individuals are discouraged from coming on site. 
• All visitors are to remain in patient rooms with masks on during the duration of their visit.
• The cafeteria is closed to visitors. Please plan accordingly.
• Visitors will be screened at the front entrance between the hours of 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM with unrestricted visiting hours.

If you have any questions about whether you should visit, please call us at 218-326-3401. All approved visitors will be screened before entry, each time they visit.

During this time, we encourage alternate means for visiting with loved ones, such as video chat or phone calls. Flower deliveries can also be accepted. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

The most important thing you can do right now to help in the fight against COVID-19 is to follow these steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve and throw used tissues in the trash right away.
• Stay home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wear a mask when you must go out in public, including if you come to Grand Itasca for care. Medical masks are now required for patients and visitors at Grand Itasca. If you come to Grand Itasca without a mask or with a cloth mask, you will be provided a medical mask to wear while in the facility.