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Dr. Chelsey: 'We cannot do this alone'

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Hospitals reaching capacity as local COVID cases rise
By
Lori Sorenson

As Rock County’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise, local hospital beds are filling and Sanford is preparing for a surge of patients.
“We do have one wing of the hospital that is pretty full with Covid patients,” said Sanford Luverne Hospital CEO Tammy Loosbrock.
“The number fluctuates each day, but we were up to nine at one point.”
She said Sanford Luverne is converting more rooms to negative air pressure, and the emergency room has been busy as well.
“We are working with all of our Sanford locations to help each other out, like we've done previously,” Loosbrock said, “just probably more to help free up beds in Sioux Falls for the sickest folks.”
Doctors and nurses are pleading with the community to mask up and socially distance.
“The hospitals and clinics in the area are doing a great job at testing and treating. However, we have a finite number of nurses, doctors, and staff,” Dr. Judy Chesley said.
“The work is hard and very physically and emotionally taxing. We cannot do this alone. We need every person actively fighting this virus. The best treatment is prevention. Wear masks and encourage others to do the same.”
She encouraged people to check on their neighbors and be responsible.
“Keep gatherings small and only with immediate family,” she said. “Test when needed. Quarantine and self-isolate appropriately. Please use all these tools to do your part to keep yourself and your community safe.”
Loosbrock said Sanford’s drive-through testing clinic in the ambulance garage continues to see increased traffic, with 80 tested on one day last week.
Of the average 35- to 50 tested per day in Luverne, about 30 percent have been positive, and that rate, too, is increasing.
A letter to city of Luverne residents will be mailed with their utility bills. It stresses the importance of taking the virus seriously, and it quotes Dr. Chesley’s urgent message about distancing and masking.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Rock County has so far confirmed 536 Covid cases and nine deaths.
Schools are transitioning to online learning, and state health officials are urging a “pause” on winter high school sports.
Gov. Tim Walz said Monday that new guidance would be coming from the state this week.
Meanwhile his latest executive order on bars and restaurants went into effect Friday (see the related story).

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