Today we received the last of our results from the COVID testing we conducted on care center staff on 11/9/20. One staff person tested positive; they have not worked for a couple of weeks prior to the test and have not exposed residents or staff. We will now go from routine weekly testing to routine biweekly testing of staff due to the increased county rates. At this time residents do not need to be tested. 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).

This week Governor Walz announced new COVID-19 restrictions. These include earlier bar and restaurant closing times and 10 person limits on all indoor and outdoor gatherings. We encourage everyone in their efforts to control the spread of the virus including wearing masks, social distancing and the recent turning back of the dial by the State. At the care center and assisted living, we will continue to have modified congregate dining, following COVID-19 safety recommendations and size limitations as well as socially distanced small group activities.

We continue to see outbreaks in our rural communities and this has affected the care center’s and assisted living’s ability to allow indoor visits. Due to the increase in cases in the county (above 10% per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) calculations), we can no longer allow indoor visits. Essential Caregivers will be allowed to continue providing cares for their loved ones.

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.