On Tuesday, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Minnesota Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, called on Governor Tim Walz’s administration to immediately implement guidelines for widespread testing at the state’s long-term care facilities.

“Almost 80 percent of coronavirus deaths in Minnesota are in long-term care facilities. I want to make it clear, in no uncertain terms, that we are facing an unprecedented crisis at long-term care facilities in Minnesota. It is critical that the Department of Health work with these facilities to deploy resources and issue guidance to prioritize the testing of all facility residents and staff,” said Senator Housley. “Right now, facilities are only testing residents with symptoms – not staff. We need to know the most vulnerable residences so there can be an appropriate response to mitigate tragedy before it strikes. If we do not act immediately, there will be devastation in assisted living facilities and nursing homes across the state.”

The situation involving COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities in Minnesota is growing increasingly dire. As of Monday, April 27, 223 out of the 280 total deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota were related to a long-term care facility.

“We are talking about Minnesotans largely over the age of 80 that are among our most vulnerable citizens. This situation has caused them, and their families, anxiety and pain as they wait without answers,” said Senator Housley. “Governors in Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida have deployed National Guard soldiers to assist long-term care facilities in their states with testing and staffing shortages. I urge Governor Walz to do the same and take extraordinary action to protect these vulnerable Minnesotans. As the chair of the Minnesota Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, my colleagues and I stand ready to work with the administration to make this happen.”

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