On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released guidance for window visits at long-term care facilities. In response, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, issued the following statement:

“After nearly four months of complete isolation for residents in long-term care settings, I’m glad MDH is finally taking action—but I do not believe these guidelines go nearly far enough. For months, I have been calling on the administration to protect residents in long-term care settings, where more than 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota have occurred. MDH staff is quick to point out that Minnesota’s broader definition of long-term care settings explains the disproportionate death count, but verbiage could not matter less to the thousands of Minnesotans who have not had outside contact since March.

“Unfortunately, Minnesotans still have no clarity about when they might be able to spend time with their loved ones—many of whom suffer from physical or mental conditions that make window visits nearly impossible. Life does not stop, even during a pandemic. Residents are terrified; families are heartbroken. I have received hundreds of emails, calls, texts, and messages from heartbroken Minnesotans all over the state asking why this administration has left them behind.

“This administration has failed Minnesota seniors. For months, we’ve known that universal testing of all residents and staff is key—but instead of prioritizing testing in congregate care settings, the administration is offering free testing for protestors. Instead of investing in a cohort facility dedicated to long-term care residents and staff that contract COVID-19, the administration purchased a $6.9 million refrigerated building for dead bodies—and that facility remains empty to this day.

“I will continue to be an advocate for the thousands of Minnesotans in long-term care.”

On Friday, Senator Housley spoke about the administration’s long-term care response. Her remarks have been viewed more than 110,000 times on social media.

Senator Karin Housley represents Forest Lake, Stillwater, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley in the Minnesota Senate. She serves as chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee and is an assistant majority leader.