Key Resources and Updates

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please follow these instructions: 

Go to OnCare.org or E-Visits, our 24/7 online clinics. Once there, create an account and start your evaluation. Once you have submitted your information, you will receive care instructions relevant to your needs. If multiple people in your family need testing, each will have to start a separate case in OnCare.org or E-Visits.

Patients can use OnCare.org or E-Visits to be screened for COVID-19 or upper respiratory infection symptoms with no out-of-pocket costs.

After reviewing the information you submitted about your symptoms and exposure, our care providers will contact you with follow-up instructions regarding your care.

If you are experiencing symptoms including fever or cough - you should self-quarantine for a minimum of seven days after illness onset, or 72 hours after resolution of fever (without taking fever-reducing medications) and improvement of respiratory symptoms, whichever is longer.

There is no treatment recommended for COVID-19. Patients may also be asked to self-quarantine at home in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Once information you submitted about your symptoms and exposure has been reviewed, you may be directed to come to an M Physicians or M Health Fairview clinic location for testing.

Test samples are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health for evaluation. If you test positive, you will be contacted by your provider or a member of the care team and will receive further care instructions.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Precautions include: 

• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a mask.
• Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap/water are not readily available. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick.  
• Limit in person meetings when possible. For small group meetings (four people or fewer), we recommend using a work phone. For larger meetings, phone conferencing software without video is preferred to avoid overwhelming our network video capabilities.
• Avoid group activities that would cause a large group of people to have close contact (less than 6 feet apart).

Effective June 21, 2021

For everyone's safety, a limited number of visitors are allowed at M Health Fairview hospitals. In special circumstances, some additional accommodations can be made for families. See guidelines below.

We understand these measures may be difficult for our patients and families. Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of the people under our care. Patients are encouraged to work with their care team to find other ways to connect with loved ones.

• Visitors are not allowed for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or symptomatic patients suspected of having COVID-19. Exceptions may be made for end-of-life care, pediatric, and obstetric patients.
• People who are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19 are not allowed to visit patients.
• No visitors under age 18 are allowed for adult hospital patients. Pediatric hospital patients may have visitors ages 12 and older.
• Patients with disabilities may have a designated support person and service animal accompany the patient. Family members, service providers or other people with knowledge about the needs of the person with a disability may serve as the designated support person.
• Visitation hours for inpatients are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pediatric and obstetric patients do not have restricted visiting hours.

More Information

University of Minnesota Physicians has video and phone visit options available in addition to in-person visits. Please call us at 612-273-8383 and we can help you schedule a visit. If it's possible to see your provider through a video visit, we'll guide you through that process.

We take precautions to prevent the spread of all respiratory illness. If you are worried about coming to the clinic and it’s appropriate, consider virtual care such as an e-visit with your provider or OnCare.org. 

Numerous M Health Fairview clinics are transitioning to virtual-only appointments. See the complete list.

M Health Fairview COVID-19 Vaccine Information

This webpage shares the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines, starting with answers to frequently asked questions.

Statewide Mask Mandate

Masks are required for all patients and visitors to our facilities, with exceptions for children under age 2, those with health conditions who cannot wear masks, and those needing emergency care. If you are unable to wear a mask and do not need emergency care, we suggest arranging for virtual care through Oncare.org.

Minnesota Department of Health FAQ About the Requirement to Wear Face Coverings

Information About COVID-19 Testing From M Health Fairview 

There are two kinds of COVID-19 testing – diagnostic (also called PCR or viral) and antibody (serologic) testing. The diagnostic test uses a sample from your nose or throat and tells us if someone has the virus at the time of the test. The antibody test uses a blood test and tells us if someone’s immune system has fought the virus already. If so, it’s a sign that they had the virus in the past.

Diagnostic testing: M Health Fairview is offering diagnostic tests for adults and children who have COVID-19 symptoms at a handful of drive-up sites across the Twin Cities. Learn more.

Antibody testing: Antibody testing, also known as serologic testing, is available for anyone who would like to be tested. We offer two ways for people to get an antibody test: testing by referral and retail testing by appointment. Learn more.