Outdoor visits are now allowed for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Heartwood residents, according to a news release.
Because of COVID-19 health and safety concerns, the facilities were closed to visitors since March. However, the Minnesota Department of Health recently announced the risk of COVID-19 transmission in facilities and the need for family, partner or close friend interaction can be balanced under certain conditions and provided guidance for outdoor visitation with residents.
“Outdoor visits allow us to carefully balance the need to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our settings with the strong desire for more meaningful connection between residents and their loved ones,” said Senior Services Administrator Nancy Stratman, in a news release, adding both the medical center and Heartwood are taking all the necessary, required measures to protect residents and staff.
All visitors are asked to understand the requirements and procedures put in place based on state and federal guidance and work with staff as partners in caregiving to abide by them. Visitors should refrain from physical contact with residents and others while in the facility. For example, wear a mask, practice social distancing with no hand shaking or hugging and remain 6 feet apart.
People may call the Care Center at 218-546-4371 or Heartwood at 218-545-8500 to make an appointment.
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“While this is an exciting and welcomed step forward, we are looking forward to the day we can open our doors once again to families, visitors and volunteers,” Stratman said. “We continue to take actionable steps and make plans for that day.”
Both facilities will also continue to help connect families and friends with loved ones through alternative means such as telephone, video chat, email or social media.
Visit www.cuyunamed.org or https://www.facebook.com/crosbycares/ for updates.
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