Altru Establishes COVID-19 Screening Hotline

• Due to updated testing guidelines on Friday, June 26, the guidelines for screening through Altru's COVID-19 Screening Hotline have been updated. Testing is available for asymptomatic patients that have had close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Due to updated testing guidelines from the North Dakota Department of Health on Friday, March 13, the guidelines for screening through Altru's COVID-19 Screening Hotline have been updated. Travel guidelines now include travel internationally and to areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Altru has established a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Screening Hotline, 701.780.6358. Patients are asked to call this number prior to visiting an Altru location if they meet the following guidelines:

• Experiencing symptoms, which includes fever or signs of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath
• And have had close exposure to persons with confirmed COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• *Or have traveled internationally, or to areas with confirmed COVID-19 in the past 14 days

Altru is working with the North Dakota Department of Health and following CDC guidelines for screening those at risk for COVID-19. It is not currently recommended to test those who are not experiencing symptoms.

Patients with regularly scheduled appointments or needing care for other services and conditions should maintain their appointments and schedule as necessary. The establishment of this hotline as well as protocols being followed in our locations are meant to maintain safe care environments for Altru patients and visitors.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation in following these guidelines as we strive to keep our patients, staff, and the community safe. Altru is prepared to care for all patients, including those who may be at risk for COVID-19. We have a team of experts across our system diligently working to stay on top of this developing situation and making adjustments to our operations as needed.

About Altru Health System

Rated the number one hospital in North Dakota in 2019 by U.S. News and World Report, Altru Health System is now in its second century of serving the communities of northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Altru Health System is a physician-led, multispecialty group practice with an acute care hospital, Level II trauma center, specialty hospital, more than two dozen Grand Forks, and regional practice locations, and a large home care network. As the region’s largest private employer, Altru Health System employs more than 300 physicians and advanced practice providers and 3,800 staff. Altru Health System was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise to the patients we serve. For more information, visit altru.org.