Nursing home surveyors in Minnesota are now being tested for COVID-19 after state officials faced criticism for allowing the inspectors to go into facilities without first being tested for the disease.
The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that it is now testing surveyors tasked with inspecting long-term care facilities, the Star Tribune reported. The agency did not disclose how many workers were being tested, nor how often, nor if any had tested positive for the disease, according to the report.
“We want to note that we are doing this in order to reinforce best practices and to be extremely cautious due to concerns about community spread and asymptomatic transition,” the agency told the news organization.
“Implementation was not started in response to any cases traced back to our on-site surveyors,” it added.
Prior to the change, the department did not require, but rather recommended, that staff get testing if they thought they were exposed to the virus. It did not routinely and preemptively test surveyors. It also didn’t have any cases among regulatory staff members who conduct surveys and investigations in facilities.
Critics had called on the state to change the policy, saying it put already susceptible residents and staff at an even greater risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.
“The guidelines to keep our seniors safe should apply to everyone, including government employees,” said State Sen. Karin Housely (R).
