Allina Health Bans Visitors Due To COVID-19 Surges In Minnesota

MINNESOTA — Visitors are no longer allowed in Allina Health facilities, with officials saying a spike in coronavirus cases is increasing pressure on the health network’s “already strained system.”

Allina Health returned to “red visitor” status Tuesday after an average of more than 100 staff members missed work each day from Jan. 1-5 because they tested positive for the coronavirus or were awaiting results, the health network said.

Allina Health operates 90-plus clinics and more than a dozen hospitals throughout Minnesota:

• Abbott Northwestern - WestHealth — 2805 Campus Dr., Plymouth
• Abbott Northwestern Hospital — 800 E. 28th St., Minneapolis
• Allina Health Faribault Medical Center — 200 State Ave., Faribault
• Buffalo Hospital — 303 Catlin St., Buffalo
• Cambridge Medical Center — 701 S. Dellwood St., Cambridge
• Mercy Hospital — 4050 Coon Rapid Boulevard, Coon Rapids
• Mercy Hospital - Unity Campus — 550 Osborne Road, Fridley
• New Ulm Medical Center — 1324 5th St. N, New Ulm
• Owatonna Hospital — 2250 NW 26th St., Owatonna
• Regina Hospital — 1175 Nininger Road, Hastings
• River Falls Area Hospital — 1629 E. Division St., River Falls
• St. Francis Regional Medical Center — 1455 St. Francis Ave., Shakopee
• United Hospital — 333 Smith Ave. N, St. Paul

Dr. Hsieng Su, Allina Health’s senior vice president and chief medical executive, said projections indicate “things will likely get worse later in January before we see them get better” due to the omicron variant of the virus.

“The weariness among healthcare workers and the general public is profound. We empathize and are hopeful 2022 will bring a turning point in this pandemic; however, we need the public to help those who care for us,” Su said, explaining the move to ban visitors except under limited circumstances.

Click here for more information about Allina Health’s visitor policies and exceptions.

The health network is urging residents to get vaccinated and receive a booster if eligible, to wear masks and practice social distancing, and to get tested for the coronavirus if they feel sick.