COVID-19 Resources & Information
UnityPoint Health will continue delivering high-quality care to the patients and communities we serve as we react to COVID-19. Our top priority is keeping you and our team members safe and healthy by providing safe care, your way. To read the latest public health updates, please visit the CDC, WHO and Wisconsin Dept of Health Services websites.
News From Trusted Medical Experts
Stay informed with the latest information and updates you can trust from our team of medical experts and make sure you follow us on our social media channels for the latest news delivered directly to your newsfeed. You'll find the most up-to-date health news, patient stories, interviews with medical experts and system updates covering COVID-19.
COVID-19 FAQ
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus discovered in 2019. This type of virus infects humans and animals, but this strain has not been seen in humans before 2019.
For more information, visit the CDC's website.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
- Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
For more information, visit the CDC's website.
What are COVID-19 variants?
COVID-19 variantes, like the delta variant, are strains of the virus that causes COVID-19. Numerous variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being tracked in the United States and globally during this pandemic. To learn more, please visit the CDC's COVID-19 variants page.
What are symptoms of COVID-19?
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Headache
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
What should I do if I think I've been exposed to COVID-19, or have symptoms?
First, stay calm. If you notice COVID-19 symptoms, you should isolate from others as much as possible. Please contact your provider or nearest clinic as soon as possible for proper screening and assessment, which could include testing.
How can I stay safe during COVID-19?
Masks, vaccines, hand washing and social distancing are all layers of protection we have in order to fight COVID-19. The more layers we use, the better protected we'll be against the virus and spreading it to others.
Where can I find help with food assistance, paying bills or other needs?
Your entire well-being matters to us. When you need some help, we would like to make it easier for you to find free and reduced cost services for your needs. If you're looking for food assistance, help with paying bills, a ride somewhere important or other types of support begin your search here.
Our Together We Care community resources tool is free to use. It offers completely private searches to help you to find free and reduced-cost local community resources specific to your needs. Local community resources are accessible to members of your local community through programs, services, support groups or other offerings.
How to Help During COVID-19
Please Be Kind
One way we can all feel better during this pandemic is by showing kindness. We strive to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and we hope for the same from those we care for. Our team is working hard, even putting in extra shifts, to best serve you. Please be kind to our health care workers.
Want to see more episodes with Austin? Check out our entire "Not So Late Show" series and don't forget to hit subscribe on the UnityPoint Health YouTube channel.
Make A Donation
As a nonprofit healthcare system, we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming charitable donations and offers of support pouring in from our amazing communities! Many are asking for ways to support our UnityPoint Health team members and patients. This page will be kept up to date with ways you can help us during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back regularly for new information on the support we need and thank you for your generosity!
Listed below are the ways you can help make a difference:
Make a Gift to Support our Health Care Heroes
With your help, we can continue to show our nurses, physicians and support teams that the community is standing beside them at this critical time. Your gift to the COVID-19 Compassion Fund will quickly provide resources for our teams as they address current community health conditions and challenges, and offer wellness support to our caregivers as they heal from physical, mental and emotional issues related to the pandemic.
Supply Donations
If you have other supplies that you'd like to donate or produce, please contact msn_foundation@unitypoint.org
Mask & Supply Drop Off Location
Meriter Business Center
Hours: Monday thru Friday – 8 am to 4 pm
2650 Novation Parkway
Madison, WI 53713
View map and driving directions
Donate Blood
There is a call for blood donations. Please contact your local American Red Cross chapter to make an appointment to donate blood today.
What We Can't Accept
Items we can't accept at this time include: in-kind donations of used equipment, clothing, toys, blankets, books, or magazines.
Please check back to this site for the most up to date information as the situation is constantly evolving and we will update how you can help on a regular basis.