Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Updates

We have the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine (formulation) available at Cumberland Healthcare.

To receive the vaccine, please call and let us know when you can come in. We are taking appointments for your convenience. 

COVID Bivalent Booster is available. Call 715-822-7500.

 

COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER DOSES

Are now authorized for: People who received both doses of Pfizer at least 6 months ago AND are at a higher risk for getting or spreading COVID-19.

  • 65 years and older
  • live in a long-term care setting
  • 50-64 years old who have certain underlying medical conditions

People who were vaccinated with Pfizer at least 6 months ago MAY get a booster shot:

  • 18-49 years old who have certain underlying medical conditions
  • 18-64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of where they work or live (like health care, correctional facilities, and other institutions)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Immunosuppressive Drugs:

  • High-dose corticosteroids (for 14 days or longer) are defined as greater than or equal to (≥) 20mg of prednisone daily (or an equivalent dose of another corticosteroid).
  • Alkylating agents (s) include cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, mitomycin, and bendamustine.
  • Antimetabolite agent(s) include Azathioprine (Imuran), Methotrexate, and Mycophenolate (CellCept).
  • Antiproliferative agent(s) include: Cyclosporine (Neoral), Sirolimus (Rapamune), and Tacrolimus (Prograf).
  • Other immunosuppressive medication(s): Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), Leflunomide (Arava), and Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blockers include Abatacept (Orencia), Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), Golimumab (Simponi), Infliximab (Remicade), and their respective biosimilar(s).
  • Other biologic immunosuppressant drugs include Tocilizumab (Actemra), Mepolizumab (Nucala), Ustekinumab (Stelara), Balatacept (Nulojix), Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), Rituximab (Rituxan), Natalizumab (Tysabri), fingolimod (Gilenya), Vedolizumab (Entyvio), and their respective biosimilar(s).

 

Wisconsin Doctors and Nurses Recommend COVID 19 Vaccinations

Wisconsin has now opened up vaccinations to individuals 12 and older. Cumberland Healthcare offers the Pfizer 2 shot series 21 days apart. This is recommended for anyone 12+. Children under the age of 18 need a parent present. Call 715-822-7502 and leave a message with your name, date of birth, and phone number. Patient Access staff will call you back to schedule an appointment at the Cumberland Clinic.

Watch a short 30-second video “How do vaccines work”?

Wisconsin Opens of Vaccination Update 3.22.21

As of today, Wisconsin has opened up vaccinations to individuals with health conditions (see below) and are over 16 years old.  We also continue to vaccinate persons in the previous phases of rollout as well.  The specified health conditions include but are not limited to:

  • lung diseases (asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
  • cancer
  • diseases of blood vessels and blood supply
  • kidney disease
  • cystic fibrosis
  • type 1 and 2 diabetes
  • down syndrome
  • heart conditions
  • high blood pressure
  • immunocompromised
  • liver disease
  • obesity/overweight
  • pregnancy
  • Other medical conditions as indicated

To get on our schedule, please call 715-822-7502 and leave a message with your name, date of birth, phone number, and why you qualify to be vaccinated.  For example:  Hi, my name is John Smith, my date of birth is 1.1.1975, my number is 715-123-4567, and I have type 2 diabetes. 

We carry the Pfizer vaccine, which is a two-dose series 21 days apart.

We will call and schedule you as soon as we have a vaccine available to you.  Your call will include a commitment to receive both vaccines and you will be scheduled for both doses while you are on the phone. 

For complete eligibility information please see Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services website:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-about.htm#future-eligible-populations

Cumberland Healthcare Vaccination Update 2.17.21

WE HAVE VACCINE!
Are you 65 years older or older? A frontline healthcare worker, police officer, etc.? Want the COVID vaccine? We have vaccine availability and would like to vaccinate you. You DO NOT need to be a Cumberland Healthcare patient. How do you get on the list? Please call 715-822-7502 and leave a message with your name, date of birth, phone number, and affiliation.
We are also prepping for phase 1b distribution as well. If you fit into this phase, please follow the same process. You may be asked to present proof of qualification for this phase. If you are unsure if you meet the criteria, please visit our website and review the latest phase 1b distribution update.
 
Phase 1b includes:
Education and childcare workers
Individuals in Medicaid long-term care programs –IRIS, Family care, Katie Beckett/children’s long-term care waiver
Essentials workers – Such as 911 operators, utility and communication infrastructure, non-emergency transport, food distribution (paid or unpaid),
Non-Frontline healthcare workers
Congregate living – homeless shelter, transitional housing
Mink husbandry
 
If you fall into any of these phases, call 715-822-7502 and leave your name, date of birth, and phone number. We will contact you within three business days to schedule or notify you that we have received your message.

Cumberland Healthcare Vaccination Update 2.16.21

Covid-19 Vaccine Update. We received notification we will receive the vaccine this week. Our allocation is less than the total number of requests. Staff is reaching out to our patients who have contacted us and are on our waitlist. We continue to vaccinate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and are over 65 or meet phase 1a criteria, please call 715-822-7502 and leave a message with your name, date of birth, and a callback number.
 

Cumberland Healthcare Vaccination Update 2.5.2021

Today (Feb. 5, 2021), we received notification that we will receive some vaccine next week. Our allocation is less than the total number of requests for vaccine. Our staff is currently reaching out to our patients who have contacted us and are on our waitlist. We continue to vaccinate on a first-come, first-serve basis. The amount of vaccinations we give depends on the allocation we receive from the state. We assure you we are working as quickly as possible based on our current allocations. If we cannot schedule you at this time, you will remain on our list and be called when the vaccine is available. If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and are over 65 or meet phase 1a criteria, and your primary care provider is Cumberland Healthcare, please call 715-822-7502 and leave a message with your name, date of birth, and a call back number.

State of Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-Out               2.1.2021

Cumberland Healthcare Vaccination Update 1.26.2021

Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccination:

I HAVE HEARD ON THE NEWS THAT THE VACCINE IS NOW AVAILABLE; HOW DO I GET MY VACCINATION?

We understand your frustration and are doing everything in our power to vaccinate our community as soon as possible. We have weekly conversations with other local hospitals and public health to ensure all efforts are coordinated for maximum community effect. Scheduling your COVID vaccine will take time. Per Wisconsin Department of Health guidance, we have sent the communication through our electronic health record to individuals over 65 years. We know the other facilities are also reaching out to their patients similarly. Many of our patients received this communication, and we want to ensure we are meeting the community’s needs. If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and are over 65 years old or meet phase 1a criteria, and your primary care provider is Cumberland Healthcare, please call 715-822-7502 and leave a message with your name, DOB, and call back number. We will be scheduling patients first come, first serve, based on the amount of vaccine we receive. If we cannot schedule you at this time, you will remain on our list and be called when the vaccine is available.

WHAT IF I HAVENT HEARD BACK FROM THE HOSPITAL? WHEN SHOULD I CALL BACK TO SEE IF YOU RECEIVED MY MESSAGE?

We know many people in the community are interested in receiving the vaccine. Our staff is working hard to ensure we get to all of the people who left messages. As we work through the list, we will get back to you within 3 business days. If you have not heard from us in this time frame, please call back at 715-822-7502.

I HAVE BEEN CALLING THE PHONE NUMBER AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET THROUGH:

Due to the high volume of calls, we are receiving, our phone system sometimes becomes overwhelmed. We know some of you may have had to call back more than once before getting through to leave a message. We have done what we can to minimize this, but you may still experience a time when the vaccine line, 715-822-7502, is full and cannot accept any more messages. We apologize for the inconvenience but ask that you please keep trying. Calling the main hospital number, the COVID line, or your physician will not get you onto the vaccination list. We have staff working diligently to keep the line open and available.

I HAVE BEEN TO OTHER FACILITIES IN THE AREA FOR HEALTHCARE OVER THE YEARS; MAYBE THEY CAN GET ME ON A LIST SOONER. SHOULD I CALL ALL THE HOSPITALS?

To best meet the needs of all the residents in and around Barron County, we ask that you request the vaccine from the facility associated with your primary care provider. Due to the limited availability of the vaccine, all healthcare facilities are trying to cater to their active patients first. Still, we will provide vaccines to anyone meeting the current criteria. Please do not call multiple facilities and place yourself on numerous schedules, as this will further delay getting the vaccine out to everyone promptly.

Cumberland Healthcare has provided 486 first doses, 306-second doses, and 324 doses available the week of January 25th. Currently, there have been 2240 doses given in Barron county. Please be patient, and work within your current healthcare system; we are getting the vaccinations out as quickly as possible. Vaccines remain limited throughout the US, and each facility receives an allocation from its State. We do not know the number of vaccines we will receive each week until Friday of the week prior. Cumberland Healthcare has requested a weekly supply of vaccine that exceeds our allocation.

Vaccines will not be available during appointments with your provider or walk-ins. The vaccine we receive needs to be stored and kept at very cold temperatures; once it is reconstituted and ready to administer, it has a shelf life of 6 hours. We have been vigilant to ensure we know exactly how many doses we have and how many people are on our schedule. We monitor this closely to ensure we do not waste any vaccine.

Cumberland Healthcare Vaccination Update as of 1.25.2021

We understand many wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines remain limited throughout the US, and each facility receives an allocation from their State. We do not know the number of vaccines we will receive each week until Friday of the week prior. Cumberland Healthcare has requested a weekly supply of vaccine that exceeds our allocation. The vaccine we have received up to this point will not cover all Cumberland Healthcare patients who are 65 + and other individuals within phase 1a. We will communicate through our electronic health system when doses become available. Appointments will be scheduled weekly on a first-come, first-serve basis to fill our quantity. Please allow 3 business days to complete the scheduling of your appointment. If you are unable to leave a message, please call back later.

Vaccines will not be available during appointments with your provider or walk-ins. The vaccine we receive needs to be stored and kept at very cold temperatures; once it is reconstituted and ready to administer, it has a shelf life of 6 hours. We have been vigilant to ensure we know exactly how many doses we have and how many people are on our schedule. We monitor this closely to ensure we do not waste any vaccine.

We appreciate your patience and willingness to support our community’s health and well-being.

Cumberland Healthcare Vaccination Update as of 1.20.2021

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced that people aged 65 and older will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine starting January 25.  Cumberland Healthcare patients will access the vaccine through their healthcare provider.  Current Cumberland Healthcare patients older than 65 will receive an email, text message, or phone call regarding contacting Cumberland Healthcare for vaccination appointments.  At this number, the patient can leave their contact information (name, date of birth, and phone number) to schedule a vaccination appointment.  Cumberland Healthcare will distribute the vaccine to patients on a first-come, first-served basis. We have limited doses available, but we will get through all who want to be vaccinated as quickly as possible.

CUMBERLAND HEALTHCARE COVID PROTOCOL AS OF 1.12.21
 
 
 

FACT SHEET FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE TO PREVENT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN INDIVIDUALS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

You are being offered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2. This Fact Sheet contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which you may receive because there is currently a pandemic of COVID-19.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is a vaccine and may prevent you from getting COVID-19. There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
Read this Fact Sheet for information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Talk to the vaccination provider if you have questions. It is your choice to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart, into the muscle.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may not protect everyone.
This Fact Sheet may have been updated. For the most recent Fact Sheet, please see www.cvdvaccine.com.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GET THIS VACCINE?
WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This type of coronavirus has not been seen before. You can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus. It is predominantly a respiratory illness that can affect other organs. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

WHAT IS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine that may prevent COVID-19. There is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
For more information on EUA, see the “What is an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)?” section at the end of this Fact Sheet.
WHAT SHOULD YOU MENTION TO YOUR VACCINATION PROVIDER BEFORE YOU GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
• have any allergies
• have a fever
• have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
• are immunocompromised, or are you on a medicine that affects your immune system
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• have received another COVID-19 vaccine

WHO SHOULD GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older.
WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
You should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine if you:
• had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
• had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
The Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.

HOW IS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE GIVEN?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will be given to you as an injection into the muscle.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine vaccination series is 2 doses given 3 weeks apart.
If you receive one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, you should receive a second dose of this same vaccine 3 weeks later to complete the vaccination series.

HAS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE BEEN USED BEFORE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine. In clinical trials, approximately 20,000 individuals 16 years of age and older have received at least 1 dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
In an ongoing clinical trial, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 following 2 doses given 3 weeks apart. The duration of protection against COVID-19 is currently unknown.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include:
• injection site pain
• tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain
• chills
• joint pain
• fever
• injection site swelling
• injection site redness
• nausea
• feeling unwell
• swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A fast heartbeat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness
These may not be all the possible side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?
If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital.
Call the vaccination provider or your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
4 Revised: December 2020
Report vaccine side effects to FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html. Please include “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA” in the first line of box #18 of the report form.
In addition, you can report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at the contact information provided below.
Website
Fax number
Telephone number
www.pfizersafetyreporting.com
1-866-635-8337
1-800-438-1985

WHAT IF I DECIDE NOT TO GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
It is your choice to receive or not receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Should you decide not to receive it, it will not change your standard medical care.
ARE OTHER CHOICES AVAILABLE FOR PREVENTING COVID-19 BESIDES THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Currently, there is no approved alternative vaccine available for the prevention of COVID-19. FDA may allow the emergency use of other vaccines to prevent COVID-19.

CAN I RECEIVE THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE WITH OTHER VACCINES?
There is no information on using the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine with other vaccines.

WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

WILL THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE GIVE ME COVID-19?
No. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and cannot give you COVID-19.

KEEP YOUR VACCINATION CARD
When you get your first dose, you will get a vaccination card to show you when to return for your second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Remember to bring your card when you return.

1.11.2021

(DYK) Did you know the COVID vaccine does not make you ill with COVID and does not cause you to shed the virus?  There are many vaccines that use live weakened viruses that can in theory cause a mild case of the disease you are being vaccinated for.  The Pfizer vaccine cannot do this as it does not contain any live virus. 

Did you know that even if you have previously had COVID you should still be vaccinated?  Some sources out there discuss waiting to receive the vaccine until 90 days have passed.  This recommendation involves deciding who to vaccinate when, rather than safety or immunity to the virus.

Attached and below is some information regarding the vaccine. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html

 
1.12.2021 (click below)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.8.2021
You may have heard that Cumberland Healthcare has been fortunate to receive vaccines for individuals in Phase 1a release. This means we are actively vaccinating healthcare workers, dentists, EMS providers, medical transport, and pharmacists. Once we are able to move into another phase we will communicate through both social media, the website, and the newspaper. While we move through the phases we want to provide you with some information periodically to assist you with your decision-making process to see if the vaccine is right for you when available.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19? No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19.
 
COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications, and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. Getting COVID-19 may offer some natural protection, known as immunity, however, current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 can occur after 90 days of initial infection. Therefore, it is recommended to receive the vaccine even if you had COVID-19.
 
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
 
We continue to follow state guidelines for vaccine administration. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. Cumberland Healthcare will let you know when appointments can be made.
 
For more information go to cdc.gov/coronavirus

 

 

Help stop the spread of Covid

11.4.2020  Help stop the spread of Covid-19. We are urging the public to discontinue large gatherings, practice social distancing, wear masks, and wash your hands. Please quarantine if you have or were exposed to Covid-19. Please do your part, Wisconsin, we are all in this together!

With Barron County Covid-19 numbers at an all-time high, we need everyone to step up. Wisconsin, we can’t do this without you.

#wearamask

#avoidlargegroups

#stayhealthy

 

11.3.2020  Due to the increase in the state and local region of positive Covid-19 cases Cumberland Healthcare will be suspending visitation to all areas of the facility. The increased traffic into the facility places our patients and staff at risk. We are evaluating a safe way to resume visitation in the future. We thank you for your understanding and help to keep everyone as safe as we can.

 

11.1.2020  Your health is important to us. Virtual visits are an option at Cumberland Healthcare. Our expert staff will help you set up for your virtual visit. If this works better for you, ask for a “virtual visit” by calling 715-822-7500 when you make your appointment. Your health is important to us. Please do not put off coming to the doctor.

 

July 16, 2020

Let’s choose to be changed for the better and not focus on returning to normal, but take this moment to make ourselves stronger. Wear a mask because you care.
Considerations for wearing cloth face coverings/masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
 

COVID June 29 2020

Through the pandemic there has been a lot of recommendations and debates. All of the recommendations and changing information can be confusing.  With summer here, and summer activities happening all around us, it makes us sometimes feel like the pandemic is over, it is not.  We must remember the recommendations and understanding the why behind the recommendations to help achieve better results.

We mask all staff, visitors, and patients coming into our building for your safety and ours.  Masking is not the only recommendation and not the only recommendation we follow.  None of the recommendations alone will provide 100% protection.  

Disease transmission occurs several different ways. COVID-19 is not unique in how it transmits to others.  Let’s take a minute to understand each recommendation:

Wash your hands: This recommendation comes from indirect contact with germs in your environment.  A germ from others’ hands or droplets from sneezing or coughing lands on the environment. When you touch an item in the environment there are germs on your hands.  Our defense against transmission is washing the germs off your hands or killing the germs with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.  Gloves do not provide further protection and lead to further transmission as hands are not washed and germs are transferred from multiple surfaces to your gloves over and over.  Gloves are NOT a substitute for hand washing or hand sanitizing.  

Don’t touch your face:  Unless you have washed your hands. If you are unable to wash your hands, don’t bring the germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth (don’t touch your face).  This is how the germs get into your body. 

Maintain 6 feet of distance:  This recommendation is a defense of direct transmission of germs.  Generally, if you are greater than 6 feet from someone, and they cough or sneeze, their expelled germs won’t land directly onto your eyes, nose, or mouth.  This is where the masking falls into place when unable to maintain 6 feet from other people.  If your mask is covering your nose and mouth, as the mask should be worn, these droplets cannot reach two of the three areas you could get germs into your body.  But, these droplets do land on the mask.  When you touch your mask and touch other items or your nose and mouth, the germs are still present and can transmit to you or others without washing your hands.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing:  Besides being polite to those around you, this limits the distance a cough or a sneeze can travel towards others in your area.

Stay home when you are ill:  This recommendation relates to you being contagious to those around you.  This is a time you know your cough and sneeze could make other people sick around you.  Wearing a cloth mask may reduce the expelled germs distance of travel, but does not stop travel and thus transmission.  The exception to stay home while ill is seeking health care, and when you are in a health care facility you will be required to wear a surgical mask. 

We know staying home, especially when it is so nice, is difficult.  Everyone wants to be at the lake with family and friends.  Again, areas opening up and activities happening all around us make us feel like the pandemic is over, it is not.  At the time of this publication current United States numbers were nearly 2.5 million individuals infected, half of those have recovered, and just under 125,000 deaths.  Do your part in decreasing the spread and continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations.  Wash your hands (don’t wear gloves), cover your cough/sneeze, maintain 6 feet and provide others their 6 feet, don’t touch your face with unclean hands or with gloves, and stay home if you are ill.  Practice social distancing, if you cannot, wear a mask, and find ways to enjoy the summer in smaller groups, outdoors.

Cumberland Healthcare Re-Opens Elective Surgery

CUMBERLAND, WI- Cumberland Healthcare is once again providing elective surgical cases to be done in the community.  For a while, we had to hold off on electives cases such as; colonoscopies, most orthopedic procedures, and many other cases.  In the early stages of this pandemic, there was much unknown about this virus, and there is still much to learn, but now we know more. 

We follow the guidance from the CDC, CMS, American Hospital Association, American College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists as well as other local healthcare agencies.  With all of this information and insight, we feel Cumberland is in a safe place to resume elective surgical cases as well as other modalities of care like pulmonary rehab and sleep studies.

We will continue to provide two separate entrances to the Cumberland Clinic based on symptoms. We have a Red Clinic entrance for those presenting with respiratory symptoms and a Green Clinic entrance for those who have no respiratory symptoms. We will continue our vigilance of practicing infection control practices including handwashing, disinfecting, and social distancing. We will continue to monitor everyone who enters our building by asking for symptoms and taking temperatures, and masks are available. These strategies, along with many others, will remain in place at this time to ensure staff and patient safety when coming to Cumberland Healthcare. 

We have the capability to increase our testing for COVID-19. We will be testing all surgical patients to ensure safety before surgery.  Our surgeons and staff are comfortable getting back to work and taking care of the needs of our community. 

These initiatives are put in place to make sure Cumberland Healthcare provides a safe environment for you and your family, whether it is urgent, emergent or elective.  We feel confident we are doing everything possible to provide all of the healthcare services you have come accustom to receiving at Cumberland Healthcare.

We thank all of you for your continued support and for doing your part in keeping the transmission rate low in our community. 

Cumberland Healthcare’s Response to COVID-19 Virus

CUMBERLAND, WI- COVID-19 has been devastating for our country and our community. Cumberland Healthcare has always taken pride in making sure to meet the healthcare needs of our community. While many people have put off needed healthcare over the past month, we want to encourage the public that Cumberland Healthcare is a safe environment. We have taken many precautions including extra cleaning and disinfecting, screening patients, and employees at the door for fever and respiratory symptoms. We are utilizing telemedicine so patients have another option to see their provider and we cut back on elective procedures.

Your health is important to us. If you have medical issues, please do not put your health at risk. A new trend is occurring right now where people are putting off health visits which could potentially be more harmful to your health and wellness in the future.

The community has been very supportive as we prioritized COVID-19 readiness, but we also need to make sure that other issues are addressed in a timely fashion. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our providers in Turtle Lake or Cumberland, please call 715-822-7500.

We thank all of you for your continued support during this time.  We care about our community and want to make sure that you can feel safe if you need to see your provider.

PPE Drive – Website Information

Fabric Surgical Mask Donations

Health care organizations across the country are in need of additional masks to help meet ongoing health care needs and to help conserve existing personal protective equipment (PPE) for providers engaged in the COVID-19 response. Due to an outpouring of community support and desire to donate needed protective equipment, Cumberland Healthcare is asking for the following donations:

  • factory-made N95 masks
  • factory-made earloop masks
  • hand-sewn earloop masks
    • Sewn masks will be distributed to patients to help provide a protective barrier, or worn over a medical-grade N95 mask by providers, so that factory-made masks may be conserved for our health care providers.

Mask Templates:

Please click on the links before for Instructions to sew masks.

  • Fabric must be clean, new 100% cotton that is tightly woven such as twill, canvas, duck cloth, or denim.
  • Masks with elastic ear loops are preferred, however, due to an elastic shortage, hand-sewn masks with ties will also be accepted.
  • All sizes will be accepted. We currently have the greatest shortage in pediatric/child sizes.

Face Mask Pattern

Face Mask Pattern Option 2

Mask Donations:

Masks can be safely donated each Monday through Friday. Please contact Katie Jensen, LAT, PTA at kjensen@cumberlandhealthcare.com or at (715) 822-7300 to arrange your donation location and time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We keep hearing about “flattening the curve” and how “Safer at Home” will help. What flattening the curve means is slowing the spread of COVID-19 to reduce not only illness and deaths but to keep our health care functioning at optimal levels to know you can have the health care you need, when you need it. What does “Safer at Home” mean to you and for you?

Stay home whenever possible, if you must be out:
Practice excellent hand washing or hand sanitizer techniques. Maintain 6 feet between you and others. Practice good respiratory hygiene (coughing into your elbow).

Be outside – six feet from others, this can include walking, riding your bike and being in nature for exercise. Wisconsin parks are open, but the equipment in the parks and schools are not. Walk your pet(s). Kids/athletes, grab your soccer, basketball, tennis, and footballs. Keep up your training routines.

Avoid traveling from your community, even to your cabin or other vacation home or to visit family or friends. This includes “quarantining” for the weekend with others, sleepovers, and even small groups with neighbors or friends such as a card game. Have gatherings in other ways such as video chat to continue to have those special moments with your loved ones.

You may have health care appointments or other needs. One person to pick up prescriptions. Attend appointments alone or by telehealth if your provider allows.

Designate one household member to obtain needed household items & only one member of the family should go into the store at a time. Shop local or utilize grocery pickup options. Avoid going to another community for

 

COVID-19 (4) Coronavirus)

Cumberland Healthcare would like to thank our patients and the community for their support during this difficult and uncertain time. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation within the country and the state as well as changing recommendations. Cumberland Healthcare would like to remind everyone social distancing is a must to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. We have taken measures within our facility to protect at-risk patients and employees to still provide needed services.

The Clinic is providing different waiting areas, rooms, and staff for the care of patients with non-infectious symptoms. To ensure we can provide this safety, we will call the night before your appointment to ensure you are not experiencing symptoms before your arrival. You will also be screened at the door for symptoms.

Patients who take blood thinners are typically high risk of complications related to COVID-19. We are now providing curbside INR checks for our Coumadin patients to eliminate the need for the patient to enter the building. Weather permitting, your results and consultation will be done at this time. If weather does not permit this, such as rain, we will provide further results and consultation by phone.

We understand media sources have reported on the lack of testing throughout Wisconsin, as well as the Nation. We can test through the State Lab of Hygiene, but we cannot test every person as this overloads these critical lab sites. The State of Wisconsin has provided testing guidelines and we must follow these guidelines for testing. The State Lab will allow the testing of patients who have been admitted to a healthcare facility, health care staff, and first responders, essential staff or residents of long-term care facilities, or other congregate settings (prisons or jails), with unexplained (influenza) respiratory symptoms AND a fever. We are currently not allowed to test anyone who qualifies for outpatient or home treatment of respiratory symptoms without a fever. We hope to have the ability to provide expanded testing in the near future.

As we comply with Governor Evers’ order for SAFER AT HOME and social distancing actions, we now offer the opportunity for patients to schedule a virtual or Telehealth visit by simply calling to make an appointment as you would previously. The appointment line is 715-822-7500, and request to see a provider virtually, and we will set up an appointment. You can use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer with a camera to see your provider.

We are continuing to offer a triage line for respiratory symptoms to help determine your personal needs regarding evaluation or home isolation. If we experience a higher than normal call volume, you will be placed on hold for no more than 5 minutes and then transferred to a voicemail messaging system. Calls will be returned the same day if placed between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Cumberland Healthcare patients can access the triage line by calling 715-822-7500. After 4:00 pm, your call will be directed to the emergency department. The triage line will guide and educate callers to the level of care they need based on mild, moderate, and severe symptoms including consideration of your medical history.

Remember to protect yourself and your family to practice social distancing, hand washing, cover your cough and sneezes, and stay safer at home.

April 1, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 (3) Coronavirus

Effective Monday, March 23rd, to ensure patient and staff safety, we will lock down Cumberland Healthcare to only one entrance, the main entrance of all properties. If you are a rehabilitation patient, you will be able to enter through that door.

Patients & Visitors: All visitors, staff, and patients will have their temperature checked upon entry to the hospital/clinic. If you are a visitor, and have an elevated temperature greater than 100.0, you will be asked to leave the building. If you are a patient to be seen and your temperature is greater than 100.0, you will be masked and referred to the clinic triage nurse regardless of the service you are coming in for. The nurse will further screen before allowing the person to proceed to their appointment.  This will be done in Turtle Lake and outpatient rehab also.

Triage Phone Screenings:  On Monday, March 23rd, in light of social distancing, we will have a phone triage line to call if you are having respiratory symptoms for questions regarding COVID-19.  The phone triage line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  If we experience a higher than normal call volume, you will be placed on hold for no more than 5 minutes and then transferred to a voicemail messaging system. Calls will be returned the same day if between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Cumberland Healthcare patients can access the triage phone line by calling 715-822-7500.  After 4 pm, your call will be directed to the emergency department. The triage line will guide and educate callers to the level of care they need based on mild, moderate and severe symptoms, including consideration of their own past medical history whenever possible. 

Elective Surgeries: Effective Monday, March 23, Cumberland Healthcare will no longer be doing elective surgeries to preserve our supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). We will continue to provide urgent and emergent surgeries.

Cumberland Healthcare is dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed.  We will post updated information every week through the Cumberland Healthcare Facebook page and our website.  Thank you for your understanding.

March 25, 2020

 

COVID 19(2) (Coronavirus)

Cumberland Healthcare’s Visitation & Testing Response to COVID-19 Virus

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, manage Cumberland Healthcare resources, and protect staff and patients, Cumberland Healthcare is implementing a visitor restriction effective Wednesday, March 18th.

Patients receiving care in our Emergency Department, Surgery Center, or Medical-Surgical unit will be allowed one consistent and designated visitor in the building during their stay.

Patients being seen in the Clinic, Physical Therapy, Sleep Center, Lab, Imaging, Wound, Infusion, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab will be allowed one companion to their appointment.

Any visitor or companion must be in good health and may be asked to comply with screening and temperature monitoring.  Visitors or companions may be turned away if they are determined to be unwell.  No visitors or companions under the age of 16 will be allowed.  Visitors and companions will have limited access and movement through the facility.  These individuals will be asked to sign in at the front desk and will be given a name tag to wear while in the building.

The cafeteria will be closed to the public to protect those residents of Cumberland Care and Rehab.  We will continue to provide meals for patients and staff.

Entrances will be limited to the Emergency Department, the Main Hospital entrance, and the Rehabilitation Services entrance.

We encourage patients to utilize online bill pay options available on our website or pay by phone at 715-822-7500 and call ahead if medical records are urgently needed at 715-822-7150.

These restrictions will remain in place until further notice and will be continually reevaluated.  The most current information will be available on Facebook and www.cumberlandhealthcare.com.

If you have questions about COVID-19, you can dial 211 and access the state of Wisconsin COVID-19 information line. 

Cumberland Healthcare can provide COVID-19 testing based on CDC recommendations.   Priority for testing of COVID-19 will include; persons in need of hospitalization, other chronic health concerns (lung disease, heart disease, older adults >60 years, immune suppression, diabetes, etc.) with a fever and respiratory symptoms, and healthcare workers.  Individuals who think they have been exposed and have no symptoms or mild symptoms are encouraged to stay home, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and take over-the-counter medications as needed for symptom management.  This illness is a virus, and antibiotics will not make you better faster.  Further, we recommend the following:

  • Avoid large gatherings.
  • Stay home when you are ill. 
  • Washing or using hand sanitizer on your hands regularly.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth without prior hand washing.
  • Avoiding long-distance travel or travel to areas of a known spread.

Cumberland Healthcare is dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed.  We will post updated information every week through the Cumberland Healthcare Facebook page and our website.

Thank you for your understanding.

March 16, 2020

Cumberland Healthcare Keeping an Eye on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Jamie McCready, Infection Prevention RN, and Cumberland Healthcare Medical Staff announce its coronavirus preparedness.

Cumberland Healthcare has been keeping an eye on the world’s concern for coronavirus (COVID-19) over the last several weeks.  Internally we have made preparations in the event COVID-19 comes to our community.  These preparations have led us to make some changes in appointment making and triaging.  The changes we have made align with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Public Health recommendations to stop or minimize the spread of COVID-19.  You will see some of these changes such as making appointments and when you arrive.   You will be asked about your personal travel history particularly to areas COVID-19 is active and asked to mask if you have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath.  If you have a concern and you were exposed to COVID-19 due to travel or prolonged personal contact with an infected person please let us know while making an appointment or call before coming to the emergency department.  The risk to our area, as well as the US as a whole, is low.  You will hear about many planning efforts from the CDC, World Health Organization, and Public Health.  All efforts are to keep you safe and healthy.  We understand there is a lot of concern with all of the news reports circulating.  Most people who become infected with COVID-19 have a mild illness similar to a cold and recover without needing further care.  Recommendations from CDC and Public Health include continuing to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and stay home while you are ill unless further health care is needed.  These are the same recommendations issued each year during the cold and flu season.  Cumberland Healthcare will continue to keep a keen eye on our risk and adjust plans as needed and as further recommendations become known.  We want to ensure you are receiving trusted information when seeking guidance for COVID-19, so please see the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

If you have further questions about our actions at Cumberland Healthcare please contact Jamie McCready, RN, BSN, Infection Prevention and Control Manager at 715-822-7182 or email jmccready@cumberlandhealthcare.com.

Cumberland Healthcare is an independent, not-for-profit, critical access healthcare facility, in your community, providing a full spectrum of services to all ages, every step of the way.