Who should get tested for current infection

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Most people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
  • Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
  • People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
• Unvaccinated people who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
• People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider.

CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.

Available Testing

There are several testing options in Watertown. All hours are subject to change per facility.

It's important to wear a mask and to use a hand sanitizer when entering any facility when you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with symptoms. 

Quick Care and Sanford Clinic offer after-hours acute care. After hours for acute care:

• Sanford: 4:30 – 7:00 pm (M – F), 8:30 am – 1:00 pm (Sat.), & 1 – 5 pm (Sun.)
• Quick Care: 7 am – 7 pm (M – F) and 9 am – 5 pm on Sat and Sun.

For emergent needs, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s emergency services are available 24/7. 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Occupational Therapist, Tori Heier to the Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Staff. Heier serves patients of all ages needing inpatient, outpatient, and in-home occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists develop individualized treatment plans to help increase strength, endurance and independence in activities of daily living. Heier received her Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Dakota in the spring of 2021. She enjoys hiking, cross-stitching, and spending time with family and friends.

“It gives me great pleasure to be able to help patients return to participating in their meaningful activities,” said Heier. “I am excited to start my career at Prairie Lakes!”

Prairie Lakes Occupational Therapy

After careful consideration for the safety and well-being of the patients and families we serve, together with the current COVID-19 trends in South Dakota, a decision has been made to move the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s, in person BASH 2021 gala, to an online event to be scheduled at a later date. 

This decision was reached after consultation and guidance from our local physician leadership and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System subject matter experts.  Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, as the local and regional health care provider, believes the decision to move this event from an in person, indoor event to an online event, is in the best interest of the community, patients/families, medical staff, and employees.  

BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.  Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation and the BASH Committee will be contacting all sponsors, donors, and ticket holders with details regarding their sponsorships and payment options.  All proceeds from our online event will be used to enhance pulmonology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.    

For questions, please contact Lisa Dahl, Foundation Executive Director at 882-7631. 

Sara Jorgenson, Wound Care Nurse with Prairie Lakes Wound Care successfully passed a Wound Care Specialist examination. As a Wound Care Specialist, Jorgenson has a master level of knowledge in wound care and management.

Jorgenson is a key resource for other providers helping patients manage and heal wounds. As a Wound Care Specialist, Jorgenson is responsible to stay up-to-date on the latest practices. She is a source of information for various disciplines and organizations to promote the best possible outcomes for patients needing wound care.

“I have developed a passion for wound care since starting in Prairie Lakes Wound Care two years ago,” said Jorgenson. “I really love what I do and the people we work with. My favorite thing about this role is the relationship I develop with our patients over the time we see them. We treat most of our patients for several months, multiple times a week, so we get to know each other very well. It is bittersweet the day a patient is healed and “graduates” from wound care. I also enjoy working with all the other departments and physicians in our community.”

Wounds can both be acute and chronic and include diabetic wounds, burns, traumatic wounds, excessive swelling in the legs, ulcers, and ostomies. Trained wound care nurses evaluate patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings and make individualized plans of care to ensure patients have the best outcomes possible. The wound care team collaborates with specialists like podiatrists, hospitalists, vascular, general and orthopedic surgeons to recommend diagnosis and treatments that treat wound pathology and underlying conditions.

Jorgenson says having a complex wound is very traumatic and scary for many people. “Our goal is to help patients be at ease and to help alleviate the fear they are having. This certification will help me to provide the best care possible to our patients and to enhance our clinic.”

If you or someone you know may benefit from services by Jorgenson and the Prairie Lakes Wound Care team, primary care physicians and other providers can send a referral.