Updated July 29, 2021

Dear Sholom residents, tenants, staff and families,

Collectively, we have made incredible progress against the COVID-19 virus.  With the advent of the vaccine, Sholom has enjoyed a decrease in the virus and the ability to open our doors to family members of our residents and some activities.  Unfortunately, the Delta variant and increase positivity rates in MN now give us pause about what lies ahead.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated the new Delta variant is the dominate strain in the United States.  The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported over 1000 people tested positive for COVID-19 on July 27, 2021. 

The COVID-19 Delta variant has proven quite virulent among the unvaccinated.  Even for the vaccinated, there is a cause for concern.  There are documented cases of individuals who have received the vaccine who develop symptoms and test positive for COVID-19.  Many states are issuing indoor mask mandates for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.  

What does that mean for Sholom?

The fight against COVID-19 isn’t over yet, and we need to be watchful and mindful that COVID is still out there. Please note the following:

If the Sholom location you are planning to visit is NOT in outbreak testing (be sure to verify on website or Sholom hotline at 651-328-2500 for outbreak status) please note the following regarding visitation:

• You will no longer need to schedule your visit in advance
  • If the Sholom location you are planning to visit is conducting outbreak testing for COVID-19, only essential and compassionate caregivers are able to come in and must to be scheduled. 
  • If you would like to continue visits to a Sholom location that is in outbreak testing/under quarantine status, please complete and submit the essential caregiver application following the submission instructions. 
• Screening is required for entrance, you must wear a face covering, maintain six feet of physical distance with others, wash hands frequently
  • All visitors are expected to wear a mask. If you are unable to wear a mask, you must conduct your visit outside.
• Your visit is no longer limited to two hours however, Sholom is required to manage the number of visitors in each building so you may be asked to wait. If there is a high demand for visits we may ask that your visit be limited to accommodate all visitors.
• The number of visitors per resident is limited to the visitors being able to maintain infection control guidelines such as physical distancing within the space that they are in.
• If your family member has a roommate, we ask that you pre-arrange your visit with social services so that the appropriate space can be coordinated.
• You cannot join meal service, activities or visit in common areas. Visits must occur in resident rooms or outdoors.
• If you are sick, stay home

Senior care organizations like Sholom, hospitals and clinics to continue to follow these guidelines. Staff will still wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and visitation can be limited at times in health care facilities, including Sholom.

As more and more people are vaccinated and new guidelines are released from CDC or MDH, we will keep you posted on any changes. Until then, thank you for your continued vigilance to prevent the spread of COVID-19!

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 priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy. We are winning the battle, but the war against COVID-19 hasn’t been won–yet. We will provide regular updates regarding any health alerts or other orders issued by the CDC or MDH. 

Thank you for your commitment to our community. Together, we’re moving toward a COVID-free future.

Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, Sholom CEO