After thoughtful consideration and monitoring of CDC and MN Health Department updates on COVID-19 (coronavirus), we have made the very difficult decision to not allow visitors into Our Lady of Peace Home.
The Closure will begin on Tuesday, March 17 at 12 Noon and continue until further notice.
Our Lady of Peace recognizes the magnitude of spending time with your loved ones within our residence and our community hospice. We are also committed to protecting you, your family, and our staff from exposure to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) during this time of uncertainty.
Our Lady of Peace continues to accept new admissions in our Residential and Community Hospice, and new clients in our Home Care. Please be assured that amid the threat of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are taking precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of all who come through our doors, as well as the doors we walk through. We are continually monitoring communication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and will make adjustments as new information and details emerge.
In our residential hospice, the admissions staff will ask if the patient has been screened at the hospital. In addition, upon arrival at OLP, our nurses will complete another screening. If we receive a YES to any of the questions during the screening tool, we will further assess and determine next steps.
What we’re doing internally to protect patients, families and staff:
- We have instructed all staff to stay at home with any signs or symptoms of illness and to seek medical attention and an ‘all clear’ from a medical professional before returning to work.
- We are offering ongoing communication and education to our staff on rigorous infection control practices including handwashing, use of personal protective equipment and the disinfection of equipment going into and coming out of homes and facilities, as well as identification of symptoms.
- We have posted several signs around our inpatient facility, instructing any visitors with a fever (temperature higher than 99°), cough, shortness of breath or anyone who has travelled internationally in the last 14 days to refrain from visiting, if at all possible.
- We are complying with guidelines at any facilities that are home to our patients within our Community Hospice in regard to limiting and screening of visitors to the building. (i.e., If any of our OLP staff or volunteers are asked not to enter the building due to screening questions/practices at the facility, we will not enter the building)
- We are complying with the wishes of our Home Care clients, in addition to alerting them to our monitoring the guidelines of the CDC and MN Health Department, and our diligence in following their guidelines and recommendations.
If you visit someone in our Community Hospice:
- Wash your hands. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask. CDC does NOT recommend that people who are well wear a face mask. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Practice ‘social distancing’ including limiting visitors and unnecessary exposure to large groups of people. Consider use of technology for a ‘virtual visit’ with your loved one if that feels appropriate for your family. OLP does have some technology to help facilitate this for our inpatient residence patients. Please ask staff about this if you would like to utilize this option.
Thank you for your cooperation as we all work to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the coronavirus. If you have questions or concerns, please call, or reach out to our hospice team. 651.789.5031