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).

• Zumbrota Care Center – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive this week. No indoor visitation at this time. Testing staff weekly due to county positivity rates.

• Bridges of Zumbrota – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. No indoor visitation at this time. Testing staff weekly due to county positivity.

This week, Minnesota is beginning a new COVID-19 vaccine pilot program. There will be nine vaccine sites that will serve persons 65 years of age and older as well as prek-12th grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. All appointments available for the nine sites were immediately booked. These sites will begin administering vaccines at the end of this week.

We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and determination of our community to be vaccinated and help protect our most vulnerable from the COVID-19 virus. The CDC has released data proving that this Pandemic has disproportionately affected seniors. From May 2020 to August 2020, 78% of COVID-19 deaths were aged 65 and older. As a reminder, our care center will be hosting 3 separate clinics for vaccinations for our staff and residents. Any residents or staff members who were unable to attend the first clinic are encouraged to attend the 2nd and 3rd clinics for their free vaccinations. Our next clinic is on 2/8.

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.