Brooklyn Center Senior Care Facility Identified As Having At Least One COVID-19 Case
The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center is one of 33 long-term senior care facilities identified by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as having at least one case of COVID-19. The disclosure came amid mounting pressure to release the names because many of the coronavirus deaths have been linked to long-term care facilities.
“It does not mean this facility is deficient in an any way or has done something wrong,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcom Monday about releasing the names. “Our most-vulnerable residents are feeling the brunt of this virus.”
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The number of long-term care facilities impacted by COVID-19 can be found here. MDH previously didn’t release names citing data-privacy concerns.
The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center opened in 2018
The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center is managed by Ebenezer Management Services, the largest senior living operator in Minnesota. The company is part of Fairview Health Services.
CCX News reached out to Ebenezer for comment. Officials say one resident at The Sanctuary tested positive for COVID-19. Because of privacy laws, the spokesperson said he was limited on how much information he could release, but did provide the following statement to CCX News:
The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center Statement:
“The number of positive COVID-19 cases is updated daily on the MN Department of Health (MDH) website. Any congregate living settings who have residents or staff that have tested positive for COVID-19 are now being made public on this site as well. Due to patient privacy laws, we cannot share the health status of any of our residents or employees. However, Ebenezer continues to monitor the COVID-19 public health crisis daily and is doing everything possible to stop the spread of the virus within our senior living communities. Our priority is to keep our employees, residents and families safe and healthy. We have already implemented aggressive, proactive infection control measures and screening procedures at all facilities. These measures were implemented out of an abundance of caution, and based on CDC and State Health Department recommendations, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of anyone who lives in, works at, or enters one of our communities. We are in regular communication with employees, residents and their families at this facility as well as across our system to provide COVID-related updates.
-David Henke, Senior Communications Specialist and Social Media Manager
Seniors Most Vulnerable Residents
MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says she expects many care facilities to have cases, just like many workplace settings.
“Having a facility on this list simply means they had a case. Either a resident or a staffer or another a person who was on-site at the time they were infected,” Malcolm explained.
The Minnesota Department of Health is working with the congregate facilities to make sure they can mitigate the potential exposures in the best possible way.
Brooklyn Center Assisting Long-Term Facilities
Brooklyn Center has three assisted living or long-term care facilities in the city: The Sanctuary, Maranatha and Ecumen Prairie Lodge. Mayor Mike Elliott says the city is closely monitoring the situation and reaching out to management to see if the city can assist in any way.
“At this time, our heart goes out to the residents of Brooklyn Center at The Sanctuary,” said Elliott. “I really want them to know that we’re with them.”
Currently, there are 986 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Minnesota, 280 in Hennepin County. Thirty people have died due to the virus. The median age is 86.
