COVID-19 (Coronavirus, COVID)
Vaccine is available to everyone age 6 months and older. Call to schedule: 507-646-8019
About the COVID-19 Vaccines | Learn about testing
Visitor Restrictions | COVID Symptoms | Treating Yourself at Home
Vaccine is available to everyone age 6 months and older. Make an appointment: 507-646-8019
We will schedule your first and second doses (3 or 4 weeks apart) when you call.
Booster shots are recommended to keep your immunity up to date. Learn more COVID-19 Vaccine. To schedule appointments, call 507-646-8019. We encourage you to seek other options for vaccination, too. The state’s Vaccine Connector(link is external) is searchable by location. // Local options include pharmacies, Rice County Public Health(link is external), and Dakota County Public Health(link is external).
NH+C’s goal is to ensure people in our community are vaccinated as broadly as possible. We are committed to serving all members of our community.
Who, when, how to seek antiviral treatment for COVID
Antiviral medicine like Paxlovid can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID.
Not everyone needs it. Those who do should act quickly, even if they don’t feel very sick at first: Treatment must be started within the first five days of symptoms to be effective.
People over 65 and those with certain risk factors should seek antiviral treatment as soon as they know they have COVID.
Read full details on our News page.
What are the visitor restrictions?
Visitor restrictions were updated on March 20, 2023.
No visitors under age 12 are allowed in the hospital, Birth Center, and Long Term Care Center during the current RSV outbreak.
Two siblings are permitted in the Birth Center at this time.
In all departments:
- Visitors with any COVID-19 symptom are not allowed.
- All visitors will self-screen to rule out signs or symptoms of COVID-19. If potential visitor shows signs and or symptoms, they will not be allowed to visit.
- All visitors must wear a medical mask at all times. If visitors do not have a medical mask, one will be provided. Any visitor who will not or cannot wear a medical mask will not be allowed into the facility.
- Visitors must limit their movement in the facility, and are not permitted in lounge areas. Visitors are permitted in the cafeteria to get a meal, but should not gather in the cafeteria.
In the hospital:
- All hospital patients may have two visitors age 12 or older at a time. It does not have to be the same two visitors for the whole hospital stay. Visitors under age 12 are not allowed at this time.
- Children in the hospital may have one parent/guardian who may stay overnight.
- Hospital patients with disability or dementia may have one designated support person who may stay overnight. It must be the same visitor for the length of hospital stay, if possible.
- Birth Center patients may have two visitors age 12 and older at a time. It does not have to be the same two visitors for the whole hospital stay. Two siblings are allowed at this time. Visitors may leave and return. One adult visitor may stay overnight in the patient room. All visitors must stay masked. Any visitor who cannot or will not wear a mask will not be allowed into the facility. Visitors must stay in the patient room (not in hallways). Birth Center patients may have a doula in the labor room as one additional visitor during labor and birth, and 2 hours post-partum. Vaccination is strongly encouraged. COVID testing is encouraged before entering the Birth Center. Birth Center staff will ask a doula to leave if there are any symptoms of COVID, influenza or other contagious illness.
- Outpatient surgery and endoscopy patients may have one visitor. Children having outpatient surgery may have two parents/guardians during their stay.
- Emergency Department patients may have one visitor age 12 or older. Children may have two parents/guardians. Visitors must stay in the patient room, and are only allowed to reenter the Emergency Department one time after leaving.
- Outpatients in hospital departments may have one visitor during appointments. This includes the Cancer Care & Infusion Center, Imaging, Same Day Surgery, Wound Healing Center, Breast Care Center, Lactation, and Lab. Children may have two parents/guardians during their appointment.
In clinics:
- Adult clinic patients may have one visitor
- Pediatric patients may have two parents/guardians (no siblings)
In the Long Term Care Center:
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Visitors age 12 and older are allowed. (Federal rules govern long term care centers differently than hospitals.) COVID precautions are in place for all visitors. Visitors with COVID symptoms or a positive COVID test should not enter.
Visitor restrictions may be adjusted if there’s a change in cases of COVID, RSV, or other highly contagious viruses in the community. Visitor policies are based on best practices, the COVID positivity rate in Dakota and Rice counties, and the level of contagious illness in the community.
Visitor precautions are designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 to patients and staff, and to maintain a healing environment.
Other restrictions:
- Students - Job shadowing and clinical rotations are available. Students must complete this application.
- Volunteers - Limited volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Anne Schumann at schumannan@northfieldhospital.org.
- Delivery restriction - We are allowing limited deliveries of items for patients at Northfield Hospital. Some items may be delivered for Long Term Care Center residents. Please contact the Long Term Care Center to make arrangements.
When and where should I get tested for COVID-19?
Testing is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID.
NH+C clinics are seeing high demand for COVID-19 testing. We have limited capacity for this, and must prioritize testing for patients who have COVID symptoms or need a test before surgery or a medical procedure.
If you need a COVID test for travel or back-to-work or school, the state has many community testing sites. They're fast, easy, and free. Find the site most convenient for you at the state of Minnesota database of testing locations.
Current guidance as of September 30, 2022:
When to test: The two most important times to test are after you may have been exposed to the virus, or before you spend time with medically vulnerable people (like grandparents).
Some COVID-19 symptoms can seem like a cold, flu or even allergies. Don’t dismiss them. Anyone experiencing any COVID symptom, whether vaccinated or not, should get tested.
No symptoms? Get tested when you:
- Plan to spend time with people outside your household
- Are traveling (coming + going)
- Attended a high-risk event (sporting event, concert, large indoor gathering)
- Have close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
- Aren’t fully vaccinated and work in close contact with a lot of people
- Aren’t fully vaccinated and go to childcare, school, sports or extracurricular activities
- Have an immunocompromising condition (even if fully vaccinated)
- Were asked to, by a health care provider or health department
- Think or worry that you might have COVID-19
You don’t need to get tested if you tested positive for COVID-19 within the last three months and don’t have symptoms now – even if you’ve been in close contact with an infected person. If you develop any symptoms, get tested.
DON’T go to the Emergency Department for a COVID test unless you have severe symptoms.
How to test: Testing in a clinic, pharmacy or community center usually uses a PCR test, the most accurate method to detect any amount of COVID virus. A nasal swab, throat swab or saliva sample are processed in a lab. Results are back in about 72 hours, depending on how busy the lab is. Employers or schools may require a negative PCR test before you can return.
Rapid testing and at-home kits use antigen tests to tell if you’re infectious and prevent you from unknowingly spreading virus to others. Antigen tests are less accurate than PCR tests – yet accurate enough to show if you’re infectious, so you can take precautions right away. Believe a positive test, but be wary of a negative test being false. If it’s positive, quarantine – and confirm with a PCR test or second rapid test from a different brand. If it’s negative but you have symptoms, been in a high-risk situation or had a known exposure, follow up with a PCR test. Rapid tests at community sites have results in about 1-3 hours. At-home kits give results in 15 minutes.
- Clinic: Schedule an appointment. Ask if PCR or rapid test is available, if you have a preference. No cost. (Fees are covered by insurance or government funding.)
- Pharmacy: Schedule an appointment. Some will test via drive-through. Free.
- Community site: Search Minnesota’s database of testing sites for rapid and PCR options. Free.
- At home: Buy a test kit online or at a pharmacy. Follow test kit instructions exactly. Cost is $14-$24 for two tests.
While waiting for results:
- Stay away from others if you have any symptoms, even if you’re vaccinated. (If no symptoms and vaccinated, and you haven’t been exposed to someone with COVID, it’s OK to be with others.)
- Wear a mask indoors when not at home.
- Make a plan in case you test positive. You’ll have to isolate for at least 10 days, even if you don’t feel sick.
- Tell people you’ve been near that you may have COVID-19. If they’re not fully vaccinated, they should stay away from others until they hear from you.
At NH+C, COVID testing is done by appointment; please call your clinic to schedule. On weekends, call Urgent Care between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. In Lakeville: 952-469-0500. In Northfield: 507-646-6700. People with no symptoms can schedule a test-only appointment. You can also see a provider if you choose; please indicate this when making your appointment. Patients who choose to test-only and then later develop symptoms can make a follow-up appointment with a provider.
The amount of time it takes to get results varies, based on lab capacity. Testing availability may change based on supplies and clinic capacity.
If your test is positive, you should quarantine for at least 5 days and monitor for symptoms. Infection could develop at any time during the quarantine period. If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself until your symptoms are better – at least 5 days from when your symptoms began – and you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. See Minnesota Department of Health’s website for the most recent recommendations.
If your test is positive, we will not retest you for 90 days, whether you develop symptoms or not.
What to do if you think you have COVID-19
1. Clinics - CALL FIRST. Please call your clinic and we will discuss your symptoms with you and direct you where to go if you need to be seen. After hours or weekends, call your clinic and talk with the after-hours nurse. If an emergency, go to the Emergency Department.
2. Emergencies: For urgent and emergency situations, the Emergency Department is always open. You do not need to call first. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
3. Get tested. Testing is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID. There are many options for testing.
What are COVID-19 symptoms?
If your symptoms are mild, you can treat them at home. Take medicine to reduce fever; drink lots of fluids; stay separate from family members.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you experience the following symptoms, you should be seen by your provider. CALL your clinic. If it's an emergency, go to the Emergency Department or call 911.
- Trouble breathing
- Unable to drink fluids
- Elderly with significant weakness
- Very high fever
- Fever that gets better, then suddenly worsens, especially with an increased cough
- Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or repeated vomiting
- Severe dehydration
Treating Yourself at Home
Many cases of COVID-19 are not severe. You can treat yourself at home.
- Individuals with undiagnosed fever, cough, shortness of breath should ALL self-quarantine. Please follow the CDC guidelines on how to discontinue home isolation
- Stay away from others: Anyone with symptoms should isolate themselves from household members and intimate contacts
- Household members and intimate contacts should limit their own contact with others, and monitor for symptoms
- Drink lots of fluids
- Sleep
- Take medicine to reduce fever
How Can I Protect Myself and Others?
COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets. You can become infected if you are within 6 feet of someone who is contagious – whether they have symptoms or not. Variants such as delta and omicron are highly contagious.
- GET VACCINATED. It’s your best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, including variants. Vaccine is widely available. Find options at vaccineconnector.mn/gov Call NH+C to schedule first and second dose, and boosters: 507-646-8019
- Get your booster. Booster shots are recommended for everyone 12 and older. Find options at vaccineconnector.mn/gov
- Isolate yourself if you’re sick with ANY symptom that may be COVID – even if you think it might be something else. You may have very mild symptoms, but you can still spread COVID to others who can get much sicker than you.
- Get tested, even if you’ve been vaccinated and even if you don’t have symptoms. The most important times to test are after you may have been exposed to the virus, or before you spend time with medically vulnerable people (like grandparents). Read about when to test, and different testing options.
- Wear a mask and keep your distance in public, and indoors with others if you don't know their vaccination status, or if they're sick.
What If I Need Care For Something Other Than COVID-19?
Your health needs don’t stop because of COVID-19. Northfield Hospital + Clinics doesn’t stop, either. It’s safe to come to the clinic or hospital when you need care for something other than COVID-19. We’re ready to care for your health needs during the pandemic.
Anyone who is suspected of having COVID-19 is treated with special processes for respiratory patients. With systemwide precautions and separate processes for patients in the clinics, Emergency Department and hospital, we can care for you safely and comfortably.
Don’t tough it out. We’re here for what you need.
- eCare is an easy way to get care for common ailments and illnesses on your phone or computer. Get quick care by simply filling out an eCare interview and get a diagnosis and treatment plan delivered in about an hour. No appointment, video chat, or app download required. It’s fast and it’s flexible.Video
- Video Visits - Video Visit is a face-to-face appointment with your provider. You receive the same personalized care of a clinic visit, in the comfort of your home. Call your clinic to schedule.
- Clinic Visits - We use all precautions to keep patients and staff safe. Please CALL the clinic and tell us what’s happening with you, and we will help determine the best location if you need to be seen. After hours or weekends, call your clinic and talk with the after-hours nurse. If an emergency, go to the Emergency Department.
- Faribault 507-333-5499
- Farmington 651-460-2300
- Kenyon 507-623-0123
- Lakeville + URGENT CARE 952-469-0500
- Lonsdale 507-744-3245
- Northfield 507-646-1494
- URGENT CARE Northfield 507-646-6700
- Women's Health Center 507-646-1478
- Rehabilitation Services – Lakeville 952-985-2020
- Rehabilitation Services – Northfield 507-646-8800
- Orthopedic Clinic – Northfield 507-646-8900
4. Message Your Provider - You can email your provider through MyHealth Info. Log in or sign up for MyHealth Info. Learn more about MyHealth Info.
Is it safe to come to a Clinic or the Emergency Department?
Yes, it is safe to come. We use all precautions to keep you and our staff safe.
Clinics safely treat all patients for new and on-going care needs. Everyone is screened on entry, including health questionnaire and temperature. Everyone wears a mask. (If you don’t have a mask, we will give you one.)
Separate processes for patients with respiratory symptoms include extra precautions:
- Patient distancing: Respiratory patients register via phone, wait in their vehicle, and are escorted directly to exam room
- Registration desk and waiting rooms are used by non-respiratory patients only
- Special cleaning procedures, including full air circulation overnight
- Clinic staff wears additional PPE when caring for respiratory patients
CALL FIRST before coming in.
The Emergency Department is always open and ready to care for all emergency needs. We have safety measures in place to care for COVID-19 separately from other patients. As always, CALL 911 if life is at risk and time is essential.
Masks are required in hospital and healthcare settings
Masks and distance are required for all people in Northfield Hospital and at all NH+C locations. This includes all staff, patients, visitors and vendors.
Hospitals, healthcare settings and nursing homes keep mask and distance precautions to protect high-risk people: Those who are ill and seeking care; immune-compromised; or vulnerable to severe illness. Healthcare settings use core infection prevention practices to keep these people safe.
Find CDC recommendations here.
Information resources
NH+C recommends these resources for accurate, reliable information on COVID-19 and vaccination:
- Michael Osterholm, University of Minnesota epidemiologist, podcasts: “The Osterholm Update”
- National Public Radio: npr.org
- MDH’s public information site: mn.gov/covid19/
- CDC’s public information site: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Mayo Clinic podcasts, especially those featuring vaccinologist Gregory Poland, MD: youtube.com/channel/UC8fQzKHIhSoZeSq3bwQx4mw
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, easy-to-understand science information: jhsph.edu/covid-19/
- University of Minnesota CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy): https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/
Offering eCare and Video Visits
Get Care Using Your Mobile Device or Computer. It’s never been easier for you to access great care. We bring the healthcare provider to you.
- eCare is an easy way to get care for common ailments and illnesses on your phone or computer. Get quick care by simply filling out an eCare interview and get a diagnosis and treatment plan delivered in about an hour. No appointment, video chat, or app download required. It’s fast and it’s flexible.
- Video Visits are a face-to-face appointment with your provider to discuss your concerns, get answers and a care plan tailored to you. You’ll receive the same personalized care as a clinic visit, in the comfort of your home.
What are you doing to keep me safe?
We’re doing everything we can to keep you safe. Our staff is required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Here are some of the other important precautions we take to keep the environment safe for everyone:
COVID-19 Screenings for patients and staff
These happen over the phone (at time of scheduling) and in person (during check-in). Temperatures are taken at check-in. We screen employees and take their temperatures upon arrival to work.
PPE protections
Please wear a medical mask when entering a clinic or the hospital. If you do not have a medical mask, one will be provided. NH+C staff continue to wear various forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) for both clinic and non-clinical staff.
Restricted Access
NH+C maintains visitor restrictions, based on the number of cases in Dakota County.
Video Visits and eCare available
You have the option to see your provider with a Video Visit. Learn more about Video Visits. eCare is an easy way to get care for common ailments and illnesses on your phone or computer. Get quick care by simply filling out an eCare interview and get a diagnosis and treatment plan delivered in about an hour. No appointment, video chat, or app download required. It’s fast and it’s flexible.
Safe Distancing
In the lobby and waiting rooms of each clinic we practice safe distancing: Check-in lines are 6 feet apart; so are chairs in the lobby. We monitor the number of people in waiting rooms and transition to patients waiting in their vehicle if necessary.
When patient volumes are high
We’re providing safe care at NH+C, always: That’s the cornerstone of every contingency plan we’ve built since the pandemic began. Our staff is focused and dedicated. But we – like hospitals across the state – at times get stretched to our limit.
Patient volumes can change dramatically, based on how actively COVID is spreading – and many other factors, including staffing levels, surgery schedules, patient volumes at other hospitals, and our ability to transfer patients to another facility for the most appropriate level of care (including nursing homes). We monitor patient volumes and acuity constantly, and adjust as best we can when needed.
Please understand our circumstances. Please be patient with our staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information on pregnancy and delivery during COVID-19?
We’re committed to providing the safest, most comfortable birth experience possible. Precautions include:
- Visitor restrictions – Birth Center patients may have one adult visitor – the same visitor for the entire stay. This visitor is encouraged to stay overnight. The Birth Center also permits one doula/labor support person for the labor, and for two hours after delivery.
- Health screening for all patients and support person
- Personal Protective Equipment for staff – gown, face shield or mask, gloves
- Rigorous hand hygiene
- More information on Pregnancy and COVID-19:
- Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy and Delivery and COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
- Birth Center Precautions Keep Moms and Babies Safe - News: March 30
- Watch this tour of the birth center to see how COVID precautions work
Are you performing surgeries? What happens to my previously scheduled surgery or procedure?
As of December 3, 2021, we are postponing some elective surgeries due to high volumes of hospital patients. We are performing some surgery and procedures. If you think you need surgery or want to schedule a procedure such as a colonoscopy or pain injection, call your clinic to make an appointment.
What if I need emergency surgery?
We have surgeons available 24/7 to take care of you.
Is it safe to come to a clinic?
Yes, it is safe to come. We are using all precautions to keep you and our staff safe. Our staff is required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Processes for respiratory care include extra precautions for patient distancing, specific cleaning, and additional staff PPE. This lets us treat all clinic patients in the most effective manner possible for different conditions. CALL FIRST before coming in.
After hours or weekends: If you need help outside of clinic hours, call your clinic and talk with the after-hours nurse. If an emergency, go to the Emergency Department. Wondering what it’s like to visit the clinic these days? Here’s a quick tour.
Which clinics are open?
The following clinics are open. We are using all precautions to keep you and our staff safe. Please CALL before you come in.
- Faribault (507) 333-5499
- Farmington (651) 460-2300
- Kenyon (507) 623-0123
- Lakeville + URGENT CARE (952) 469-0500
- Lonsdale (507) 744-3245
- Northfield (507) 646-1494
- Women's Health Center (507) 646-1478
- Rehabilitation Services - Northfield (507) 646-8800
- Rehabilitation Services - Lakeville (952) 985-2020
- Orthopedic Clinic - Northfield (507) 646-8900
How much does a COVID test cost?
There is a range of options for COVID testing. Many are free. Read about when to test, and different testing options. COVID testing in clinics is covered by most insurance carriers plus Medicare and MN Medicaid. Patients do not incur the expense. Insurance will be billed for patients who have insurance coverage at the time of testing. If a patient does not have coverage at the time of testing, NH+C tries to seek reimbursement through government funding before billing the patient. The cash price of the COVID-19 diagnostic lab test is $106.
Who is most at risk of COVID-19?
Vaccination (including boosters) protect against severe illness and death, especially for that at high risk for complications: Adults over 65; women who are pregnant or delivered in the past two weeks; those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune system. These individuals should carefully monitor their health and call their provider right away with any symptoms: cough, fever over 100.4, trouble breathing.
How can I contact my provider?
The best way to reach your provider is by email through MyHealth Info. Log in or sign up for MyHealth Info. Learn more about MyHealth Info.
What happens to my future appointments or scheduled surgery?
You will be called if your future appointment or surgery needs to be rescheduled. If your provider determines that your appointment or surgery should not be postponed, we will care for you in the safest and most comfortable way possible. We have separate clinic and surgery processes for conditions not related to COVID-19.
How can I find resources?
- Mental Health Resources (PDF)
- Physical Needs Resources (PDF) for food, housing, financial assistance
- HealthFinders Coronavirus info in Spanish and Somali - https://healthfindersmn.org/coronavirus/
- Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- English - https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
- Spanish: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/spanish.html
- Somali: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/somali.html
- American Sign Language (videos): https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/asl.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- English - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Spanish - https://espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM32419
- Chinese - https://chinese.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM32419
- Vietnamese - https://vietnamese.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM32419
- Korean - https://korean.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM32419
- American Sign Language (videos) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvrp9iOILTQatwnqm61jqFrsfUB4RKh6J&deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM32419
- Dakota County Public Health has launched a COVID-19 hotline to answer questions residents have about coronavirus. Call 952-891-7834 Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Rice County Resources - https://www.co.rice.mn.us/495/Hotlines-and-Other-Resources
Resources for reliable information:
- Michael Osterholm, University of Minnesota epidemiologist, podcasts: “The Osterholm Update” (link is external)
- National Public Radio: npr.org(link is external)
- MDH’s public information site: mn.gov/covid19/(link is external)
- CDC’s public information site: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html(link is external)
- Mayo Clinic podcasts, especially those featuring vaccinologist Gregory Poland, MD: youtube.com/channel/UC8fQzKHIhSoZeSq3bwQx4mw(link is external)
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, easy-to-understand science information: jhsph.edu/covid-19/(link is external)
- University of Minnesota CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy): https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/(link is external)
Where can I find NH+C News articles?
View our News section to read our published News articles.
How can I find out about cancellations?
Check the Calendar for the latest information on support groups, classes and event cancellations.
How does NH+C manage COVID-19 and other health needs?
NH+C has systems in place to care for all patients safely, and to protect our staff. Patient and staff safety is our top priority. Our staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
NH+C is set up to protect the healthy at the same time that we care for the sick or injured. We have processes in the Emergency Department and in the hospital to care for COVID-19 patients separately from non-respiratory patients so we can care for each patient safely.
- Processes for respiratory care include extra precautions for patient distancing, specific cleaning, and additional staff PPE. This lets us treat all clinic patients in the most effective manner possible for different conditions.
- We have Video Visits and eCare as another option for clinic-level care in the safety and privacy of your home.
- We conduct elective surgeries and procedures with COVID precautions in place. Patients are tested for COVID in the days before their surgery or procedure.
- We perform urgent surgeries and have emergency surgery services available 24/7.
- If a patient needs hospital-level care without ventilation for COVID-19, Northfield Hospital can care for that patient in designated space separate from non-COVID patients. Northfield Hospital does not have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or ventilators. We have a critical care unit (CCU) and enough ventilator technology to manage patients locally with a goal of transferring then to a facility that will be able to better care for them. If someone requires an ICU (primarily for access to ventilator care) we will transfer them as quickly and safely as possible.