NOVEMBER 12, 2020 – Three staff at the Long Term Care Center at Northfield Hospital + Clinics have tested positive for COVID-19.

No Long Term Care Center residents have tested positive or have any symptoms at this time. All staff wear appropriate PPE when caring for residents, based on specific CDC and state guidelines for PPE in skilled nursing facilities.

The three staff are the first positive cases in the Long Term Care Center. Their tests were part of routine weekly testing for all LTCC staff, based on requirements from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), which governs skilled nursing facilities. Staff may return to work once they are determined not to be infectious, following guidelines from CDC and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

On Monday, November 16, NH+C will begin point of prevalence testing: All LTCC residents and staff will be tested within a 24-hour period, with repeat testing every 7 days until reaching 14 days with no positive test results. This point of prevalence testing process is a requirement of CMS and MDH.

The Long Term Care Center has suspended all visits to protect residents. Strict requirements govern visitor policies for skilled nursing facilities to prevent the spread of COVID. Visits are discontinued when a case of COVID emerges among LTCC residents or staff; the LTCC begins outbreak testing based on state and federal guidelines; or the COVID positivity rate in Dakota County goes over 10%.

Visitor restrictions had been in place since March 13, 2020. Limited, scheduled visits resumed Oct. 19.  Window visits are still allowed as weather permits. Families are encouraged to stay connected to their loved one via phone and video chat. LTCC staff can help arrange these.