What is Coronavirus and What Can I Do To Prevent It?

With guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), we are closely monitoring the outbreak of a new coronavirus, COVID-19. COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that was first detected in China and continues to expand. This infection causes respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and trouble breathing. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Due to the unknown and potential risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women and their babies, the best course of action for all persons at this time is to prevent exposure and avoid transmission of illness.

What can I do to prevent coronavirus?

• The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all non-essential travel.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Supplies of hand sanitizer, tissues, and other hygiene products may be limited, so consider bringing them with you.

If you have respiratory symptoms and require urgent OB or GYN care at our clinic, please call ahead to inform us of your symptoms and to seek advice for how we can best assess your needs while avoiding exposure to other patients and staff. If you have a non-urgent appointment and respiratory symptoms, please consider rescheduling your appointment until you are symptom-free.

The situation is rapidly changing. For the most up to date information, please visit the CDC website or the Minnesota Department of Health website.

For a full list of the resources that we are able to provide, go to our Coronavirus Page.