Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took extraordinary measures last week, with new orders limiting gathering and restricting restaurant service to curbside only in an effort to hopefully flatten what has been a drastically upward trend in COVID-19 cases.

In the most recent statistics available on the Washington County COVID-19 dashboard, there were 260 new cases reported Friday, bringing the county’s total to 11,758.

Allina Health is among medical providers grappling with fighting the surge, and the company took measures last week to limit visitors to its facilities.

In a statement last week, Allina announced: “The safety of Allina Health’s patients, visitors and employees continue to be our top priority. As safety guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to evolve around the coronavirus (COVID-19), so do our policies at Allina Health facilities.

“As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, the visitor guidelines will be updated as needed to help keep our patients, staff and visitors safe. As of Wednesday, Nov. 18, the status is RED, no visitors allowed.

“There are the limited exceptions for visitors while we are in RED status. You can find them on our Visitor Guidelines web page at https://www.allinahealth.org/coronavirus- covid-19/getting-care-at-allina-health/visitor-guidelines.

If you qualify for a visitor exception, these guidelines must be followed: Visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and must pass the screening to visit a patient. Visitors who leave the building must show their screening sticker or be re-screened to re-enter.

Visitors must wear a mask, visitor badge and screening sticker at all times during the visit.

Visitors must have good hand hygiene and practice physical distancing during the visit. Hand sanitizer is located at all building entrances and on patient care units.

If the waiting room is full, visitors may be asked to wait outside the building.

Visitors should visit only the patient’s room and avoid other areas. Visitors may be asked to step out of the room during an exam or treatment.

Visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed, unless a compassionate exception has been granted.

Compassionate care exceptions may be considered.

“We understand that it is difficult when a loved one is hospitalized and you are not able to visit them in person. Our patient video calling software, Care to Connect, allows you to remotely connect.”

Hospital admissions in Minnesota reportedly havejumped 80 percent in recent weeks.

Walz warned the virus is spreading exponentially around Minnesota. His order prohibits all in-person social gatherings with people outside your household for the next month. It restricts bar and restaurant service to takeout and delivery. Theaters and gyms must close, although retail stores can be open.

Organized sports for youth and adults are on hold. Collegiate athletics and professional sports can continue but with new spectator limits. Places of worship and child care can stay open with the proper precautions in place.

Weddings and funerals can take place, but no related social gatherings or receptions can be held.

In the last month, Minesota COVID-19 cases have surged from around 2,000 new cases a day to around 7,000. Walz said virus “outbreaks,” where multiple cases originated, have mainly been from restaurants and bars, with weddings, sports, gym facilities and social gatherings also contributing.

In Cottage Grove, the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce has tried to lend a hand to businesses as they prepared for the four week “dial back.” Area bars and restaurants ran specials as they had to get rid of beer that has been tapped and other food and specials.

One post from Junction 70 said, “Stop in for a cold ber! We have 36 tap lines to get through by Friday night!

Other businesses prepared to continue doing business while staying safe. Angie Dox of Grove Nutrition was appreciative of the Cottage Grove Chamber help.

“Thank you to the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce for your continued support,” she posted on Facebook.

The business opened in the spring and is looking forward to getting through the pandemic. A post on the Grove Nutrition Facebook site says, “We are so grateful for your support and love over these past few months.

“As you know, we opened on May 3rd, amidst this pandemic and we want you to know we are excited we get to continue to serve you in the safest and best way possible. Our seating inside is on pause right now but we get to remain open for carry out and curbside orders!

“Seeing you even just for a few minutes, brings a sense of ‘normal’ to the day. We will continue to sanitize, clean and take all safety precautions necessary.

“Thank you for supporting our small, family owned business. We love seeing you all every day and hope to continue seeing your faces and hearing your laughter” In Cottage Grove in the last week, there has been a 23 percent increase in reported cases of COVID-19, according to Washington County Public Health.