Are you concerned your child has COVID-19?

In an effort to keep our patients and families as up to date as possible, please read our message about COVID-19 testing concerns below: 

There is a nationwide shortage of test kits. As of late Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health is only running testing on specimens for patients who are hospitalized or for sick health care workers. Rapid testing is available from commercial labs (Mayo, Quest, etc), but they, too, are being limited because the same reagent is lacking. Your child will only be tested if they are hospitalized. Even the emergency department at Children’s is only testing if a child is being admitted.

We recognize this is frustrating for you.

If your child is sick and stable they should stay home. The majority of people with COVID-19 are mildly ill and are able to recover at home. If sick, do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. Your child should stay home for at least 7 days after symptoms first appear and they have not had a fever for at least 72 hours (without the use medicine that reduces fevers). If your child’s symptoms are worsening, do not hesitate to call us, or to bring into Children’s Minnesota for further evaluation.

Categorized in: Health