March 5^th, 2021

Morris Health Services is now testing monthly due to county positivity. We will continue to test residents and employees if they show signs or symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village – WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-7960 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

This Saturday, March 6^th, marks one year since Minnesota confirmed its first case of COVID-19. The state has since recorded 485,230 total confirmed or probable cases. Now, more than 52% of Minnesotans 65 and older have received at least one dose of either COVID vaccine. This week, Governor Tim Walz stated Minnesota will expand vaccination eligibility when 70% of that population gets their first dose. Vaccine eligibility would expand to people with high-risk health conditions and targeted essential workers. Younger groups and the general public would follow in the late spring and summer.

Johnson & Johnson has now received an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its COVID-19 vaccine, the Janssen Ad-Vac. The J&J vaccine is different than its Moderna and Pfizer 2-dose vaccine counterparts in two ways. First, the J&J vaccine is a one-shot vaccine, not a two-dose vaccine. Second, the J&J vaccine uses a more common vaccine technology and does not utilize the mRNA vaccine delivery method. The vaccine is published as 85% effective 28 days post vaccination. Side effects listed for this vaccine are similar to those listed for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Please contact Stevens Community Medical Center at 320-589-1313 to arrange for testing.  Currently, the Armory in Morris is still testing as well and appointments can be made at their website:  https://mncovidtestingappt.as.me/schedule.php. 

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

February 26, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-7960 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

We continue to receive questions on how and when family and friends will receive their vaccine. Health officials have created a Vaccine Connector tool found at https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/. This tool helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. After you fill out a simple form, the Vaccine Connector will alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine, connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment, and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area.

It is not necessary to sign up if: 

• You have already received your COVID-19 vaccine.
• You previously registered for the COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program. You’re already on the Vaccine Connector list, and there is no need to re-submit your information.  
• You completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Child Care survey. You’re already on the Vaccine Connector list, and there is no need to re-submit your information. 
• You completed the Health Care Connection Form, you do not need to re-submit your information. The Minnesota Department of Health will work with health systems and local public health agencies to notify you about when and where you can get vaccinated. 

We look forward to the day we can throw our doors wide open to the community. Until then, there are multiple ways residents in our setting can interact with one another and with their loved ones. We have resumed socially distanced communal dining and small group activities. We are currently able to offer indoor visits, virtual visits, essential caregiver visits, and compassionate care visits. We do ask that visitors are tested prior to entering our care center. Due to cost, we will no longer be able to test essential caregivers, compassionate caregivers or visitors in the care centers. Please contact Stevens Community Medical Center at 320-589-1313 to arrange for testing.  Currently, the Armory in Morris is still testing as well and appointments can be made at their website:  https://mncovidtestingappt.as.me/schedule.php.  As of March, we will be testing staff and visitors monthly as long as Stevens County remains in the green zone or unless MDH guidance changes.

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

February 19, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-7960 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

Currently, vaccines are being distributed to adults 65 and older, educators, school staff, child care workers, health care workers, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. We have received many calls requesting information about vaccinations. If you qualify in one of the above categories, please check the state’s online vaccine locations map (https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp) or contact your health care provider about appointment availability. Our staff and residents continue to have opportunities for on-site vaccinations through our pharmacy partnership. West Wind Village will host their 3^rd clinic on February 23^rd. Horizon Public Health will not be hosting a third vaccination clinic at Skyview Senior Living.

Minnesota continues to see new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as MN lessons the restrictions in public areas.  The numbers of cases and attributable deaths are declining as vaccinations roll out. State and local health officials continue to stress social distancing, mask use, and frequent hand washing or sanitizing.

With vaccinations becoming more prevalent, and knowledge that vaccinations are providing a positive impact in reduction of active outbreaks; it is frustrating that use of PPE and visitation constraints must continue within our care centers.  Until the CDC and MDH have supporting science to assure the spread of COVID-19 is reduced with vaccinations, we are required to maintain the same infection control protocol.  

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

February 12, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-7960 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

Since the start of the pandemic, 3,977 residents of Minnesota’s long term care facilities have died from COVID-19, accounting for 63% of the deaths from the virus statewide. However, last week, Minnesota recorded an average of just 64 new coronavirus cases per day in long-term care settings; the lowest the state has experienced since September! On Tuesday, MDH released more data showing that overall trends are improving, and not just in senior services communities. The state’s positivity rate of testing has fallen to 4%, the lowest rate since June! The rate had peaked at 15.5% in November amid an upsurge in cases.

The drop in new cases is a hopeful sign that the vaccines are starting to provide the protection we need and the infection control protocols put in place are working. Our staff continue to find creative ways to ensure social distancing does not stop social interaction. This weekend, we plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day and if you are interested in adopting a resident by sending Valentine’s flowers, please contact Morris Floral ASAP at 320-589-3344.  Please remember with any holiday, we see an increase in visits, please schedule your visit by Friday at 3 pm.

This week, the Minnesota Association for Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) launched a new video resource to help providers in our community to address hesitations and misinformation related to the COVID vaccine. MAGIC COVID Vaccination Video was developed to provide accurate and up to date information and dispel myths regarding the vaccine. The goal is to increase vaccination rates, specifically among frontline health care workers, by providing meaningful information from a trusted source that allows them to make an educated decision.

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

February 5, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-1133 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

The CDC released a report that indicates a national average vaccination rate for care center residents of 77.8% and care center staff of 37.5%. Minnesota is in a category with higher rates for both, with more than 80% of residents and more than 40% of staff. As of Wednesday of this week, 70,049 residents and staff of Minnesota’s long term care centers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We are excited to announce we have conducted our second vaccine clinic giving many residents and staff their second dose of the Moderna vaccine! West Wind Village conducted their second clinic on January 26^th and Skyview Senior Living’s second vaccine clinic is scheduled for February 9^th.    As of today, 100% of residents at West Wind Village and 95% of residents at Skyview Senior Living have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and approximately 40% of employees.

This weekend we plan to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday with our residents. We want to remind our friends and family that may be participating in Super Bowl activities to please social distance, wear a mask, and wash or sanitize your hands often.

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

January 29, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-1133 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

This week, MDH health officials contacted a computerized random selection of Minnesotans aged 65 and up, who signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, with only 11,700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to give away, many on this list will not receive the vaccine this week. If you were not contacted on Wednesday, your name will remain on the list for the next round of vaccine distributions. On January 26^th, WWV had their 2^nd clinic for vaccinations. Skyview residents and staff will host their 2^nd clinic on February 9^th.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and like previous holidays throughout the COVID Pandemic, must be celebrated cautiously. MDH and CDC have not changed guidance regarding residents leaving our care centers during the pandemic and do require residents to quarantine upon return. The ‘Adopt a Resident’ program was a huge success over Christmas this year! We are excited to announce that we will continue this with Morris Floral for Valentine’s Day. Flower arrangements will be available for $15 + tax. Please call Morris Floral at 320-589-3344 by February 10^th to make our residents day!

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

January 22^nd, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff and residents for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV is open to indoor visits. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please contact Katlyn at 320-589-1133 for more information. 

• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

This week, Minnesota is beginning a new COVID-19 vaccine pilot program. There will be nine vaccine sites that will serve persons 65 years of age and older as well as prek-12^th grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. All appointments available for the nine sites were immediately booked. These sites will begin administering vaccines at the end of this week.

We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and determination of our community to be vaccinated and help protect our most vulnerable from the COVID-19 virus.  The CDC has released data proving that this Pandemic has disproportionately affected seniors. From May 2020 to August 2020, 78% of COVID-19 deaths were aged 65 and older. As a reminder, our care center will be hosting 3 separate clinics for vaccinations for our staff and residents. Any residents or staff members who were unable to attend the first clinic are encouraged to attend the 2^nd and 3^rd clinics for their free vaccinations. Our next clinic for WWV is on January 26^th. Skyview’s next clinic is on February 9^th.

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

January 15^th, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff and residents for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. The majority of tests results are back; you will be notified if there are any positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. If there are no additional positive cases, WWV will discontinue point prevalence testing and prepare to open up for indoor visits.  WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All visits must be scheduled and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please call Elizabeth at 320-589-4924 for more information. 
• Skyview Senior Living – There were NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. If there are no additional positive cases, Skyview Plaza will discontinue point prevalence testing and prepare to open up for indoor visits. Skyview Court may host indoor visits. All visits must be scheduled ahead of time and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

Please be patient about changes in safety protocols as vaccinations roll out across Minnesota. Even though the vaccine is here, the virus is still being transmitted throughout our state and we need to continue to be cautious to protect the health and well-being of residents and staff.

Until we receive updated guidance from the State, we ask that everyone, even those not connected directly with our care center, continue infection prevention and control practices. Please wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face when you’re out and stay home if you’re feeling sick.  These measures will help keep the positivity rate low and allow our care center to host safe and socially distanced visitation for residents.

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.

January 8^th, 2021

Morris Health Services tested staff for COVID-19 at West Wind Village and Skyview Senior Living this week. You will be notified if there are any additional positive cases. Morris Health Services continues to follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• West Wind Village –There was NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. WWV will continue point prevalence testing. Indoor visits restricted until further notice. WWV will continue essential caregiver visits. All essential visits must be scheduled and essential visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test. Please call Elizabeth at 320-589-4924 for more information. 
• Skyview Senior Living – There was NO positive cases of COVID-19 this week. Skyview Plaza will initiate point prevalence testing and will restrict indoor visits until further notice. Skyview Court may host indoor visits. All indoor visits must be scheduled ahead of time and visitors will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. Visits can we scheduled with Sophie at 320-589-4582.

We are bringing in the New Year with new hope and excitement. We have administered our first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in our care center. Our next vaccine clinic will be on January 26th. Shawn Kidd, Infection Control Nurse, who has been eagerly awaiting the COVID-19 vaccine says, “This is life changing.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel”.

Regarding Assisted Living buildings, the MDH, Preferred Pharmacies and the Public Health Departments are currently working on a plan to start vaccinating tenants and staff.  We are anticipating vaccines to be administered at Skyview Senior Living in the coming weeks. 

We have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand why the vaccine is so important in defeating COVID-19. You can find this along with the Moderna Fact Sheet, on our website at sfhs.org/resources/covid-19/. If you have any other concerns or questions, please contact Jody Cunningham, DON, at 320-589-7915.

We will continue following our infection prevention and control practices along with the latest guidance from MDH and CDC regarding safe visiting for our residents. We will continue regular communication with our residents, friends and family on our COVID response, visitation guidelines and testing results.

Please follow our Facebook page (@Morris Health Services & @Skyview Senior Living) or our website (www.mhs.sfhs.org) for all COVID updates and information on what is happening inside our care center. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Paula at 320-589-7900, if you have any questions or concerns.