Mid-Columbia Medical Center says visitors will no longer be allowed in any of their facilities as the hospital continues to take steps to mitigate exposure to coronavirus.  Patients and their loved ones are encouraged to communicate by phone or video calls.  Staff members will communicate with caregivers to coordinate instructions and patient pick-up.  Minimal exceptions are in place for end of life patients, laboring mothers, pediatric patients, and trauma and critically ill emergency room patients.  Patients with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath should call their primary care provider’s office, but as a precautionary measure people with those symptoms will be seen at MCMC Family Medicine on 1620 East 12 in The Dalles.  All wellness visits are being moved to either MCMC Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.  In addition, MCMC is postponing elective procedures, surgeries, and some diagnostic imaging procedures.  Urgent and emergency surgeries and imaging will continue as needed.