Staffing Overview FINAL
Minnesota is experiencing an increase in cases of COVID-19, including in long-term care facilities. Staff exposure, in many cases the result of community transmission, has a significant impact on facilities and increases the risk of transmitting the virus to residents.
The spread of COVID-19 in long-term care is of great concern. We understand that this sustained pandemic has taken its toll on both staff and residents and that considerable fatigue may be setting in. Please know that we appreciate your efforts and continued commitment to protecting Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens in the weeks and months ahead.
At this time we are sharing some of the resources, best practices, and interventions that have been distributed over the last seven months as a refresher as we move into the fall and winter. Below you will find some of the most essential information that may be a good starting point in your review, or that may serve as a quick reference for facilities already in outbreak status or emergency staffing situations. A longer and much more comprehensive list of available resources, guidance, and data for infection control and emergency preparedness is attached.
▪ COVID-19 Toolkit: Information for Long-term Care Facilities (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/ltctoolkit.pdf)
▪ All MDH testing resources can be accessed on Long-term Care COVID-19 Testing (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/ltctesting.html)
▪ Contact a Crisis Staffing Manager about any staffing questions, concerns, or planning opportunities health.COVID.SEOC-LTC.staffing.response@state.mn.us or review the LTC Contingency Staffing Plan Training (YouTube) Contingency Staffing Webinar (www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxprGVzsAcA&feature=youtu.be)
We encourage everyone to follow and review infection control guidance during and outside of work to reduce exposures. This is essential in order to keep COVID-19 from entering long-term care facilities and to maintain the safety of residents and staff.