UNION GROVE — Good news at the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs' Union Grove campus, as they report no active COVID-19 cases and as they are now in the clear to provide in-room visits.
It was a far different story during the worst of the pandemic late last year, when the Veterans Home in Union Grove was dealing with a vicious outbreak. At least two people died from the virus at the home, according to the VA, and dozens tested positive.
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But the home began receiving vaccines to protect its residents and staff from the coronavirus, leading to Wednesday's positive announcement, over three months later.
Commandant Erin Johnston announced in a statement Wednesday that beginning Monday, March 22 families and friends will be able to visit. Details on that process will be released at a later date, Johnston said.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) gave them guidance this week that the home is now allowed to provide in-room visits using protective protocols.
The visits are possible because of low community positivity rate, limited facility (staff and member) positive cases, and a high vaccination rate, explains Johnston.
"Let’s make sure we continue to do all we can to ensure that we can continue to have these kind of visits indefinitely. I strongly urge you to be vaccinated against COVID-19 when you are eligible," Johnston said.