Sleepy Eye Medical Center clinic visitors encounter detailed instructions and screening Monday. Clinics in Morgan and Comfrey have been temporarily closed. The facility is seeking mask donations, according to a news release.

SLEEPY EYE — Sleepy Eye Medical Center (SEMC) is asking community members to consider donating face masks amid the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which has resulted in a worldwide shortage.

“We are humbled and grateful by the individual commitment and the wave of community support that align with our values and efforts to keep our community safe,” said Chloe Kottke, SEMC Director of Nursing.

Donations of factory-made N95 and ear loop masks plus hand-sewn ear loop masks are sought. To arrange for drop off, email Kottke at ckottke@semedicalcenter.org with the subject line “mask donation.”

A member of the SEMC healthcare team will meet donors in the medical center parking lot at an arranged time. Masks will be sent to laundry services to be prepared for use. Any surplus of masks will be donated to other organizations in need.

For the safety of patients, staff and the community, the medical center is no longer allowing visitors at its Sleepy Eye, Morgan and Comfrey facilities. Exceptions may be made for patients under certain circumstances.Morgan and Comfrey clinics have been temporarily closed.

People sick with COVID-19 or suspect that they are, should call ahead before visiting their provider.

Randy’s Family Drug in Sleepy Eye asks people to call the pharmacy before picking up medications. They can use curbside service to avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy. Customers are asked to call in refills or use the refill app pocketRX.

A sign on the drug store door read that many insurance companies are waiving refill too soon rejections. “Please call the pharmacy,” read the sign.

“We still do a lot of delivering and will mail if people want that. We’ll do what we can and work out whatever people need,” said drug store owner Randy Armbruster.

The Sleepy Eye City Office building is closed to the public. A drop box is located near the west door of the city building.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.