Face masks limit the spread of virus. Wearing a mask protects others, by keeping your breath and cough away from them. It adds another layer of protection (like physical distance) to prevent you from spreading germs to others if you don’t know whether you have a virus.

A cotton mask is a good option. When you wear a cotton mask, change it when it gets wet -- including condensation from your breath. Wash it in hot water with regular detergent.

APRIL 21, 2020 – Northfield Hospital + Clinics is now using face masks for all staff and patients as an additional precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This is based on CDC’s recommendation that all individuals cover their faces in health care facilities. Masks are required for everyone entering the hospital.

NH+C is also screening all those who enter the hospital for symptoms of COVID-19; this includes taking temperatures.

Links to supportive information and resources in various communities.

MARCH 20, 2020 – Starting Monday, March 23, 2020, Northfield Hospital + Clinics is temporarily closing the Lakeville Clinic + Urgent Care and the Lonsdale Clinic. Clinics in Farmington, Northfield and Faribault Clinics remain open for patients who need to be seen for health issues other than COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Express Care Clinic is also closed. 

MARCH 20, 2020 – With COVID-19 now in Rice County, your best protection is to STAY HOME and practice social distancing. This limits your exposure to the virus, and slows its spread in the community.

Slowing the spread of coronavirus is important to keep from overwhelming hospitals and medical teams.

Rice County Public Health was notified late on March 18 by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Rice County. The confirmed case is linked to recent international travel and was seen on an outpatient basis.

MARCH 17, 2020 – Northfield Hospital + Clinics has opened a Temporary Respiratory Clinic to treat all patients in the most effective setting possible.  

NH+C will serve patients in this specialized area to determine the best evaluation and treatment plan for their respiratory illness while protecting other clinic patients and staff. 

This temporary clinic will serve patients who may have a variety of respiratory conditions. 

March 13, 2020 -- We know there are concerns in the community as COVID-19 spreads in Minnesota. Community transmission has not been reported in Minnesota, but it’s becoming more likely.

Here’s how you can prepare, and limit the risk to you and your family:

March 11, 2020 -- Feeling sick? CALL your provider if you:

MARCH 9, 2020 – As testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus) increases, NH+C follows clear guidelines set by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for COVID-19 screening and testing.

There are two cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota as of March 8, reports MDH, which tracks testing (updated daily). Eighty people have been tested; 78 tests are negative, as of March 8.

Kids grow fast! Birth through age five is an especially exciting time as kids learn to do many new things like smiling, talking, walking and making friends.

Here are 10 ages and developmental milestones to watch, from the American Academy of Pediatrics. While most children meet these social, emotional and cognitive milestones around a certain age, some may take longer to reach them.