MINNESOTA — 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 in September that it is now testing surveyors tasked with inspecting long-term care facilities. The agency did not disclose how many workers were being tested, nor how often, nor if any had tested positive for the disease.

Prior to the change, the department did not require, but rather recommended, that staff get tested if they thought they were exposed to the virus and 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.