Since March, we have implemented aggressive proactive infection control measures and screening procedures that has prevented us from having any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our care center. We continue to follow the recommended guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Minnesota Department of Health, and take all appropriate measures and doing everything possible to protect the health and wellness of all who live and work here.

This week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued guidance that outlines criteria and makes recommendations on how we our can safely re-open our care centers to visitors while continuing to protect the health of our residents and staff. MDH is allowing individual communities to make the final decision on re-opening to visitors, based on each care center’s unique situation.

Resuming visitation in our care center is a difficult decision because it will increase exposure to the virus and our residents are at higher risk of complications if exposed to COVID-19. Yet, we also know that the ongoing separation from family and friends and feelings of isolation can have a negative impact on our residents.

The threat of this devastating and deadly virus is still with us. Minnesota is experiencing an increase in the number of positive cases in areas across our state, which can pose a greater risk of exposure to both our residents and our staff.

The MDH guidance has specific criteria that we will evaluate to determine when we can safely re-open our care center to visitation. It also applies to when we may need to restrict visitation based on the status and risk of exposure to COVID-19 for our residents and staff.

We will be evaluating this guidance and our commitment to protect our residents and staff and will keep you informed of our progress. Please know there are several key factors to consider and requirements that we must meet before we can open our doors and welcome visitors again. This includes ensuring adequate personal protective equipment and staffing, a testing plan, diligent infection control practices that includes facemasks and social distancing for all staff, residents, and visitors, and the status of COVID-19 in our building, our community and our county.

We deeply appreciate the sacrifices you have made to limit the impact of COVID-19 on our community and your patience as we prepare our care center to host safe visitation and other activities. Our entire team looks forward to seeing you again as families, friends and volunteers are the foundation of what makes our community so special.

If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a healthcare hero, visit www.jobswithus.org, and search “Zumbrota.” We have a variety of positions to start or continue your career in senior care. Plus enjoy flexible scheduling and compelling benefits including a sign-on bonus, as you care for our seniors on the front lines of this pandemic.

Residents continue to enjoy one-on-one activities with staff as well as small group activities while socially distancing and wearing surgical face masks. Visiting with your loved one can be done virtually, open or closed window, and outdoor patio visits. We ask that you schedule your visits ahead of time due to high demand, staffing and the safety of our residents. Thank you again for partnering with us in fighting the COVID-19 virus. Please do not hesitate to contact Laura, Administrator, at 507-732-8132 or lerickson@zhs.sfhs.org if you have any questions or concerns.