Today the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that nursing homes and assisted living facilities will be able to allow scheduled visits from family and friends designated as “essential caregivers”.

In response, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging committee, issued the following statement:  

“My heart goes out to all the long-term care residents who have waited months for this visitation plan to be implemented. I have repeatedly asked MDH to allow safe visits to mitigate the devastating emotional and physical impact of prolonged isolation, but time has ticked by and no action has been taken until today. MDH’s new guidance will make a world of difference to those who have been unnecessarily isolated from their loved ones and advocates for far too long. This time of uncertainty has been lonely for many, but families will be reunited soon!”