Richfield Public Safety To Offer Wellness Checks To Vulnerable Residents

Press release from the City of Richfield:

March 19, 2020

"Everyone is concerned about possible infection with the coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, but the health stakes are highest for seniors and those with underlying health conditions. Keeping track of these residents is something the Richfield Police Department takes seriously.

Normal aging of the immune system and underlying medical conditions make people 60 and up more vulnerable to severe respiratory illness from COVID-19. Although most people who are infected with COVID-19 only have a mild case, others can become very sick.

During this time of uncertainty, residents should make every effort to get to know their neighbors, while still maintaining social distancing. Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning and encourage residents to monitor the city’s website, www.richfieldmn.gov, and local social media pages to stay up to date.

In addition, stay in touch with family and friends by phone or email. If you are a senior or have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and/or neighbors to check on you during this public health crisis. Residents should stay in touch with family and friends who are older or have chronic medical conditions.

We know that some residents may not have the support they need. If you, or another Richfield resident, does not have someone to check on you, the Richfield Police Department will be available to help! Members of the department will periodically check on residents during this time of uncertainty to offer help and support.

To sign up for this free program, please contact Jill Mecklenburg by calling (612) 203-1282 or emailing jmecklenburg@richfieldmn.gov. Emails are preferred, if possible.

Our community must work together to take care of all of our residents, young and old.

For additional information on COVID-19 please visit the city’s COVID-19 webpage, or call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-3920, or visit their website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html."

Stay safe and healthy,

Jay Henthorne

Director of Public Safety / Chief of Police

This press release was produced by the City of Richfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.