Prairie Lakes instituting a “no visitor policy” effective April 2nd

April 1, 2020

WATERTOWN, S.D.–A no visitor policy in response to COVID-19 will go into effect at all Prairie Lakes Healthcare System facilities beginning Thursday, April 2, 2020.

“For the safety of our patients and staff, we are implementing a no visitor policy for patients receiving care at all our facilities,” said K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO. “This policy replaces the restricted visitation policy we put into effect March 14 and will further help protect our staff and patients alike. I understand this restriction will be difficult for patients and their loved ones. There are a few exceptions, including patients receiving end-of-life care, births, and cases involving minors. Similar policies are seen enacted in our state. We are being proactive and responsible, and ask for the cooperation and understanding from the community.”

No Visitor Policy Exceptions:

1) One care partner (like a spouse) for mothers receiving care in OB

2) One parent or guardian for minors

3) One care partner for patients with an altered mental state (including confusion and developmental delays)

4) One care partner for Prairie Lakes Cancer Center patients

5) Two visitors for patients receiving end-of-life care

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is actively working with the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local authorities through the unified Watertown Area Task Force to manage COVID-19 cases. The best thing community members can do to help prevent a surge in cases is to follow guidelines and other updates posted as available on the Facebook page “2020 Watertown Covid-19”.