For the safety of its patients and staff, Trinity Health has implemented a call-first policy at FirstCare Walk-In Clinic, temporarily suspending its walk-in concept.

The appointments-only policy is in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Dakota Department of Health to help prevent community spread of coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19).

Patients who wish to be seen by a FirstCare provider must call the clinic ahead of time at 857-7817. If a visit is required, they will be scheduled for an appointment, most likely the same day.

Thomas Warsocki, vice president of Physician Services, said the call-first policy is in effect until further notice and is part of Trinity Health’s evolving strategy to adopt best practices against the virus.

“Patients seeking same-day appointments should call our FirstCare Clinic – calling allows us to screen patients for coronavirus symptoms and prepare for their visit so we are ready to receive them using appropriate infection control practices,” Warsocki said.

Also taking effect Monday, all other clinic patients and those accompanying them are being screened for respiratory illness and building access is limited to a single point of entry.