Masking Policy Effective April 2023

Current community transmission levels of COVID-19 are low for Carlton County. In accordance with this data, all CMH settings have moved to a mask optional policy for all patients, visitors, and healthcare providers.

CMH’s Infection Prevention Department closely monitors the status of COVID-19 transmission levels and any future changes to this policy will be made and announced here.

Masks are available at every entrance to CMH facilities and may be worn at any time.

Coronavirus COVID-19 information

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus.
• Most people who contract COVID-19 have mild symptoms that do not require treatment or medical care.
• The best thing we can all do for our community is to stay home when we are ill, no matter what is causing the illness.
• Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you suspect that you have COVID-19, please follow the step-by-step guide below.

COVID-19 step-by-step guide

• As always, seek care immediately or call 911 in the event of an emergency.
• If you have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual and you are experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath and would like to have your symptoms evaluated, call our free 24/7 Nurse Hotline at 218-499-6799.

COVID-19 vaccine

If you are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine booster, please visit our COVID-19 vaccine page.

Call 218-879-1271 for COVID-19 testing at CMH Raiter Family Clinic

If you are seeking a test, please call 218-879-1271 to schedule your appointment before arriving at CMH Raiter Family Clinic.

Long Haul COVID Rehabilitation

COVID-19 is a multi-system disease that can change and limit a person’s ability to participate in their daily roles and routines. Long Haul COVID or ‘long COVID’ encompasses a variety of health problems that people experience four or more weeks after being infected with the virus. The symptoms can range anywhere from mild to debilitating.

Common symptoms of long COVID include:

• Persistent fatigue / low energy
• Weakness
• Poor endurance
• Muscle or joint pain or generalized body aches
• Changes in balance or frequent dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Sleep problems
• Brain fog
• Increased / new urinary incontinence
• Inability to return to work or daily routines

The CMH Rehabilitation Team is here to help and support you as you return to normal activities and roles:

• Occupational Therapy is skilled at the evaluation and development of an occupation-based treatment plan. For more information on interventions, please visit here.
• Physical Therapy starts with a comprehensive evaluation to identify prior and current functional levels to establish realistic functional goals. More information on available therapies is available here.
• Speech Language Pathology provides thorough evaluation and treatment in the areas of speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. More information on treatments is available here.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps improve post-COVID-19 symptoms and lung function. More information on what to expect is available here.

Free, at-home saliva testing for COVID-19 is available to all Minnesotans

The State of Minnesota, partnered with Vault Medical Services, will provide an at-home saliva test to any person who feels they need one, and it’s free. Here’s how it works:

• Order your test online. This link has complete information on how to take a test and ship your sample to the lab using a prepaid UPS package.
• Once submitted, you’ll get your lab results in 24-48 hours.
• Each COVID-19 test will need a unique email address.
• A photo ID will be required so that the test supervisor can confirm your identity; any photo ID will work.
• You may be asked for your insurance information if you have it, but it is not required to test at home.

Complete information on this test can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health-Vault website.