COVID-19 Hits 3 Care Facilities In Woodbury

WOODBURY, MN — Of the five care facilities that have been exposed to the new coronavirus in Washington County, three are located in Woodbury. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Stonecrest, Woodbury Villa, and Saint Therese of Woodbury have had virus exposure either from a resident, staff member, or visiting service provider.

Saint Therese has locations in Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Shoreview, and Robbinsdale, in addition to its Woodbury facility. Deaths from the virus have occurred at their New Hope facility.

"Saint Therese of New Hope care center has continued to lose long-term care residents to COVID-19 and, unfortunately, will likely endure more loss due to the nature of this relentless virus," the center said Monday.

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The Stonecrest, Woodbury Villa, and Saint Therese of Woodbury facilities are all restricting visitors in order to reduce the spread of the virus.

"We are following guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to restrict all visitors, volunteers and vendors to only essential visits, such as end-of-life or required care and services," states Presbyterian Homes & Services, which runs Stonecrest.

"In the event of a positive COVID-19 test result, we will notify residents, staff, and primary family contacts." Seniors and people with underlying conditions are at a much higher risk of experiencing severe illness or death from the virus.

Twenty-three percent of confirmed coronavirus cases in Minnesota have involved a longterm care facility, such as senior living centers, according to state health officials. Of the state's 371 deaths from COVID-19, 82 percent involved someone who was 70 or older.

"The CDC has done a careful review of the death rate in the elderly, especially those with dementia or chronic diseases. Experts are recommending we take action to limit individuals from entering our building and to ensure sick employees stay home,"officials that oversee Woodbury Villa said.

"We hope this explains to you why we are asking people to limit their visits. This may prevent you from physically seeing your family member or friend. Our residents’ health and safety are our top concern. We are committed to doing everything we can to protect them."

The Gables of Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, and The Encore at Mahtomedi, have also dealt with COVID-19 exposure.

A total of 125 care facilities in Minnesota have had an exposure to COIVD-19. Of those, 61 are in Hennepin County, according to state health officials.

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