ELY – As the North Country cautiously progresses toward re-opening businesses and the rest of society in the weeks and months ahead, the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital is partnering with various organizations to make the transition through the coronavirus pandemic as safe as possible.
“We have a multi-level approach and are operating in stage one of our preparedness stage,” said EBCH Communication Director Jodi Martin.
She spoke during a virtual town hall meeting last week, hosted by the Ely Chamber of Commerce. The meeting, Opening Up Ely, Part 1, included speakers from the chamber, Hospitality Minnesota, the Northeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center, and EBCH, and featured information on reopening businesses, small business funding, and COVID-19 information.
“We have had no confirmed positive cases (of COVID-19) in Ely that we know of,” Martin said on Thursday. “We are still open. You should still come in to see us if you have emergency medical needs. Statewide, we are seeing a decrease in (emergency room) visits. We know there are people out there who could have potential health issues. It is important for the community to know that we are still here for them.”
Martin offered training for area businesses by hospital staff concerning the proper use of personal protective equipment.
“We could also offer a training for business owners who then go back and train their own staff,” she said.
She suggested implementing a frequently-asked-questions information packet for resort owners and other tourist businesses highlighting the capabilities of EBCH.
“We would like everybody to have the right information so you are able to help with any anxieties that guests may have about coming to the area thinking that our hospital might not be able to handle a medical emergency.”
“We have (COVID-19) testing supplies,” Martin said. “They are available. We have plenty of (personal protective equipment). We have ventilators available should that become a need for somebody. We are able to transport people to a higher level of care if needed.”
EBCH is working with the Essentia Health Clinic, Boundary Waters Care Center, Ely Area Ambulance Service, Ely Police Department, Ely Community Health Center, and other organizations to implement visitor policies, screening tools for staff and customers and other preparations for reopening.
“We are also working closely with the Ely Community Care Team to determine the needs of the community and to help fulfill those needs as we progress toward the next tier to enact plans,” she said.
The Entrepreneur Fund, Northspan Group, and Northland Foundation are working with businesses to provide support services. The State of Minnesota DEED also provides details on safely retuning to work, according to Chamber Executive Director Eve Sebesta.
For more information, the Ely Chamber of Commerce provides a link at www.ely.org/covid19.