COVID-19 Screening Hotline Now Available in Sawyer County

A Sawyer County Community COVID-19 Screening Hotline has been established and made available as of 9:00 AM, Monday, March 23, 2020. The purpose of this hotline is to help identify people in our community who may be appropriate for coronavirus testing.

All individuals who have any of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, fever or shortness of breath should call the hotline at 715-934-4518. A healthcare professional will ask you a series of questions to determine if testing is appropriate. This does not replace the need for you to call your clinic or go to the Emergency Room if you need immediate medical attention.

If you are designated for testing, an appointment will be made for you and instructions will be provided on where to report for curbside testing. Lac Courte Oreilles tribal members and tribal employees will be scheduled for curbside testing at the LCO Health Center and all other county residents will be scheduled at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital’s medical campus.

Appointments are required for COVID-19 curbside testing. Individuals arriving without an appointment will be directed to call the Screening Hotline.

The COVID-19 Screening Hotline is open everyday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you have concerns outside of these hours you should contact your primary care provider’s clinic. Even if you do not have a primary care provider you can still call a local clinic. After hours phone triage services are available from area clinics.

• NorthLakes Community Clinic (715) 634-2541

• LCO Clinic (715) 638-5100

• Essentia Health (715) 634-5505

If you are in need of emergency services please call 911.

“The screening hotline and curbside testing are possible because of the collaborative effort of our medical community,” says Luke Beirl, Hayward Area Memorial Hospital & Water’s Edge CEO. “We are working with our partners to support the community response to COVID-19. Together we will continue to provide high quality care and further protect the health and wellbeing of our community during this uncertain time.”

Clinic & Outpatient Services Appointment Scheduling

Hayward Area Memorial Hospital, NorthLakes Clinic and Essentia Health ask that all patients schedule appointments for non-Emergency or Urgent Care services prior to coming to the campus. Appointment scheduling allows us to anticipate how many people will arrive on campus and notify you of any changes if necessary. Customarily walk-in services, such as Lab, will now require an appointment.

Please continue to Self-Isolate at Home

• Practice social distancing. Stay at home or in one place. Hang out with family, one or two friends, but limit the number people you are exposed to.

• Wash your hands frequently. Use hand sanitizer.

• If you cough, cough into your elbow.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Be aware of your health and the health of those around you. Fever, cough or shortness of breath should prompt a call.

If someone you know may be at a high risk for getting sick, keep in touch with them by phone.