Itasca County Public Health posted a letter on Facebook warning of a serious strain on area hospitals.
ER wait times have been particularly impacted during this surge. Health officials from multiple hospitals say if you do find yourself in a situation where you need medical care, you should go to the ER only if it’s urgent.
Allina Health has had to delay some elective surgeries.
“In order to serve our communities we’re really trying to adjust on the fly to make sure we have access for those that really need it right now,” Dr. Monte Johnson, vice president for medical affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, said.