Updated August 29, 2022

Our counties are continue to experience an increase in positive COVID-19 cases.  For instance, BA.5 now represents the majority of positive cases, is more transmissible, but the evidence so far suggests it is not likely to cause severe disease.  Moreover, with the majority of Sholom residents and staff already vaccinated, when residents and staff do test positive for COVID-19, the majority are experiencing only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.  

The latest COVID–19 sub variants, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4 BA.5 are being tracked by the World Health Organization.   Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some variants emerge and disappear while others persist. They also have different abilities to spread or evade immunity from vaccination or infection.  New variants will continue to emerge.  CDC and other public health organizations monitor all variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the United States and globally.

In St. Louis Park at Sholom Home West, two residents are positive for COVID-19. Knollwood Place Apartments has one staff member that has tested positive for COVID-19.

With the continued threat of COVID-19 Omicron and the latest sub variants, Sholom remains vigilant. The fight against COVID-19 isn’t over yet, and we need to be watchful and mindful that COVID and COVID variants still pose a threat to our communities.

 Please note the following regarding visitation which is open for all Sholom locations:

• It is a requirement that you wear a face covering and safety goggles or a face shield at all times, regardless of vaccination status, maintain six feet of physical distance with others and wash your hands frequently.
• If you are sick with symptoms of COVID-19, have a positive viral test for COVID-19 or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, you should not enter Sholom. 
• Visitor testing and vaccinations are not required, however, we encourage visitors to be tested on their own before coming to a Sholom location.
• Screening is required for entrance.  If visiting during a time guest services personnel are unavailable, visitors will be asked to use the automated screening devise or wait until Sholom staff are available to allow entry into the building and complete the screening.
• If visiting during an outbreak investigation, you will be expected to sign in to provide the needed contact information, adhere to infection prevention principles and conduct your visit in the resident’s room.  For outbreak status visit: https://www.sholom.com/sholoms-covid-19-numbers/ or call the Sholom hotline at 651-328-2500.
• If you are visiting a resident who is on quarantine or transmission based precautions, you will be made aware of the potential exposure risk to yourself and asked to adhere to the core principles of infection prevention.  

Senior care organizations like Sholom need to continue to follow these guidelines for everyone’s safety.

For the most up to date information, please refer to www.sholom.com and click on the COVID link at the top of the page.

Our main priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy.  Thank you for your commitment to our community. Together, we’re making Sholom a safe place to live, work and visit.

Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, Sholom CEO