COVID-19: Partnering to stay safe, healthy, informed

You’re likely aware of the public health concerns due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 (coronavirus). Containing this virus and caring for our patients and the safety of our communities is the primary focus of Mayo Clinic Health System. So we’ve created resources for your care and to find answers to your questions.

COVID-19 is a newly identified respiratory virus that can easily spread. It shares several symptoms with influenza, but it’s treated differently. COVID-19 infection may appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

We’re proud to be at the forefront at confronting COVID-19. Our researchers and doctors have developed a diagnostic test for determining if our patients and staff have this virus. These tests are now available across our health system.

What to do

If you’re showing any sign of possible COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your local health care provider. Your provider or a nurse will direct you to our dedicated COVID-19 Nurse Line. If you meet testing criteria, you’ll be directed to one of our local testing sites.

Keep yourself healthy — wash your hands, avoid touching your face, distance yourself from others and practice appropriate self-care, including staying home when you’re sick. We also recommend you have a personal care plan in place in case you or a family member is directly affected by the virus.

What NOT to do

This virus rapidly spreads. Help us minimize potential exposure to other patients by NOT coming into a clinic or hospital to be tested. Please call your local provider first to find out how to be evaluated.

Where to find up-to-the-minute information

We’ve created a dedicated Mayo Clinic Health System COVID-19 online resource site for contact information, up-to-the-minute information about COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, non-COVID related health care needs or want to visit someone at one of our medical centers. You also can view updates via Mayo Clinic Health System’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.

If you need care for something else

If you’re scheduled for an appointment, hospital procedure or surgery, be assured our facilities are safe. We’ll notify you if there are any changes. Most of our Express Care, Urgent Care and Same Day Clinics continue to be available, but by appointment only. This could change as the situation evolves. We’ll provide updates on our resource site.

We also have other options for care that don’t require a visit to the clinic:  

• Message your care team through your Patient Online Services account
• Express Care Online offers virtual care for 20 conditions. Log in to your Patient Online Services account through the Mayo Clinic Health System website or the Mayo Clinic App. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., although you can access Express Care Online 24/7 year-round. If you submit your questionnaire during regular business hours, you’ll receive an answer within one hour. If it’s after hours, you’ll be contacted by 9 a.m. the next day.

Our mission is to care for you and your family members. At Mayo Clinic Health System, the needs of our patients come first. We’re committed to meet your needs throughout the current situation and beyond. Partner with us to stay safe, healthy and informed.

For the latest on COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 page.