Gundersen, Mayo plea for COVID precautions

WINONA, Minn. – In the face of the out-of-control pandemic spread, the executives of the two major regional health systems called for full attention to face-masking, social distancing, hand-washing, and avoiding large gatherings. Scott Rathgaber, Gundersen chief executive, and Paul Mueller, Mayo’s regional vice president, issued a joint plea. The disease, they said, poses a threat to their ability to care for infected people. “We are seeing increased infections, hospitalizations and deaths in our communities. Our staff are strained. Our testing sites have longer lines and higher positivity rates. We were able to flatten the curve and avoid tragedy last spring and summer with your help.”