COVID Update – Vaccine Connector Tool

2/26/2021

This week we tested all staff of Zumbrota Health Services. Results are shown below. We continue to work with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and are following COVID-19 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  As of today, the MDH is not recommending any changes to our visitation process.

  • Zumbrota Care Center – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive this week. Testing staff weekly due to county positivity rates.
  • Bridges of Zumbrota – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive.

We continue to receive questions on how and when family and friends will receive their vaccine. Health officials have created a Vaccine Connector tool found at https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/. This tool helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. After you fill out a simple form, the Vaccine Connector will alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine, connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment, and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area.

It is not necessary to sign up if: 

  • You have already received your COVID-19 vaccine.
  • You previously registered for the COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program. You’re already on the Vaccine Connector list, and there is no need to re-submit your information.  
  • You completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Child Care survey. You’re already on the Vaccine Connector list, and there is no need to re-submit your information. 
  • You completed the Health Care Connection Form, you do not need to re-submit your information. The Minnesota Department of Health will work with health systems and local public health agencies to notify you about when and where you can get vaccinated. 

We look forward to the day we can throw our doors wide open to the community. Until then, there are multiple ways residents in our setting can interact with one another and with their loved ones. We have resumed socially distanced communal dining and small group activities. We are currently able to offer indoor visits, virtual visits, essential caregiver visits, and compassionate care visits. We do ask that visitors are tested prior to entering our care center.

Visitation will occur in the Day Room by appointment (not in resident rooms/apartments). In order to have an indoor visit, please follow the below guidance:

  • Proof of a negative COVID test within 5 days prior must provided. If you would like to be tested during our routine testing, please reach out to Laura Erickson, Administrator, at 507-732-8132. This applies to visitors who will be visiting on a regular basis, otherwise COVID tests may be obtained elsewhere.
  • 2 people may visit at one time.
  • For the Care Center: Visits will be held in the Day Room and visitors will enter/exit through Day Room door.
  • For the Bridges: Visitors will enter/exit through the main entrance.
  • Visits are up to 25 minutes.

Zumbrota Care Center time slots starting every half hour will be available:

  • Tuesday from 1-4 pm
  • Wednesday from 10-11:30 am
  • Thursday from 10-11:30 am
  • Friday from 1-4 pm

Please contact Lacey Boesen, Activity Director, at lboesen@zhs.sfhs.org or 507-732-8409 to set up an indoor visit.

Bridges of Zumbrota time slots starting every half hour will be available:

  • Monday from 10-11:30 am and 1-3 pm
  • Wednesday from 10-11:30 am and 1-3 pm
  • Friday 10-11:30 am and 1-3 pm
  • Alternate times by appointment

Please contact Virginia Cooper at 507-732-8455 or Barb Konter at 507-732-8412 to set up an indoor visit. Visits must be set up at least 24 hours in advance.

Looking for ways to help? We have a variety of positions available with flexible scheduling and on the job training. For more information or to apply, visit www.jobswithus.org, search “Zumbrota.”

Don’t forget to get your flu shot this season to help protect our community. Please follow our Facebook page (@Zumbrota Health Services) or our website (www.zhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Laura Erickson, Administrator, at 507-732-8132 or by email at lerickson@zhs.sfhs.org if you have any questions or concerns.