St. Luke’s Hospital To Start Limiting Visitors

St.Lukes has taken extra measure to protect it's patients and staff In response to COVID-19 Virus. Starting today at noon is largely prohibiting visitors from seeing patients in the hospital. The hospital is encouraging people who wish to check in with patients to use other means to keep in touch such as phone calls, FaceTime and Skype.

Also, please note that the main lobby entrance at 10th Avenue East and First Street is no longer accessible to the general public. Visitors must now come in through St. Luke's Building A, the SLH Clinic Building or Northland Medical Center.

The Duluth News Tribune did note some exceptions to the rules at the hospital :

• One adult visitor will be allowed for each pediatric patient.
• One adult visitor will be allowed for each labor and delivery patient.
• One adult visitor will be allowed a vulnerable adult patient or a patient who needs help communicating with the health care team.
• For the rest of the patient population, rare exceptions to the no-visitor policy may be allowed for compassionate-care needs, but family members must call the hospital or unit first to see if the exception will be made.
• Only patients will be allowed in the emergency department, unless the patient is a child, a vulnerable adult, needs help communicating or is experiencing major trauma.
• Patients should visit St. Luke's clinics alone, except for children or those who require assistance

As inconvenient as this may seem please respect the fact that hundreds of caregivers are on the front line trying every day to care for patients on top of the Coronavirus. Thank you to everyone in the health care field doing the best they can to care for your patients! If you are not feeling well the Duluth News Tribune has noted that "St. Luke's  has launched a 24/7 nurse triage hotline for people who suspect they may have COVID-19. A nurse will be able to answer questions and provide guidance at no charge. The number is 218-249-4200."