SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance Division held a hearing to receive an update on COVID-19’s impact on Minnesota’s long-term care facilities. Long-term care facilities faced serious difficulties well before COVID-19 emerged – including chronic staffing shortages and infection control challenges – and the current public health crisis has amplified these concerns.
“We know that older folks and other vulnerable Minnesotans suffer disproportionately greater impacts when they contract COVID-19. We have a responsibility to ensure they are able to receive care in an appropriate setting while minimizing their exposure to the virus,” Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the division’s chair. “The Department of Health is working hard to protect the safety of residents and staff in long-term care facilities.”
Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm shared a comprehensive update on the situation and the department’s plan to address outbreaks. The plan focuses on five key areas: Continue reading “House HHS Finance Division receives update on COVID-19 in long-term care facilities”