Dear Walker Methodist family,
In August, the Minnesota Department of Health issued guidance about allowing visitation in senior living communities. The guidance is proving difficult for our communities to implement because MDH continues to update the guidance and issue additional regulations. We are doing our best to keep up with their rules.
To date, MDH has laid out a two-tiered approach for visitation. There are a number of considerations that communities must take into account before being able to move to the next level. MDH requires that the community must be COVID-free for at least 28 days before they can move to Level 2. The community must also factor in how many cases are in their county at the time. If the county infection rate is too high, we will have to remain, or move back down, to Level 1. Some Walker communities will be ready to implement Level 2 restrictions this month, but others will not. The Essential Caregiver Program still remains in place, and you can fill out an application in your community to see if the task qualifies.
We understand the desire to come into the community just as you did in the past. But we ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through this pandemic to keep all of our residents safe and healthy. We know that this is a trying time for residents, and we hope that you will continue reaching out to our residents with window visits and outdoor visits (where possible), video chats, and phone calls.
Thank you for your trust in Walker Methodist. Together we will overcome.
Scott Riddle,
President and CEO, Walker Methodist