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Goldfinch receives first vaccine dose

FIRST DOSE — Ken Seibel, 104 years old, gets his COVID vaccine from Alissa Grunewald, pharmacist from Lewis Drug in Windom. Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates’ Executive Director Pamela Rubis (back right) offers her support. (Photo courtesy of Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates)

FAIRMONT — Residents, staff and essential caregivers at Goldfinch Estates in Fairmont just received their first dose of the COVD-19 vaccine Wednesday.

The vaccine was made available as part of phase 1a, which ensures health care workers and long-term care residents and staff in Minnesota receive first priority in receiving the vaccine.

A total of 178 residents, staff and essential caregivers were given Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine was administered by Lewis Family Drug.

Pamela Rubis, executive director at Goldfinch Estates, said they have 120 residents between both the assisted living and memory care side and about 73 staff members.

Rubis said they have several high school staff members, but they were not able to receive the vaccine because you must be 18 to receive the Moderna vaccine.

Rubis explained that essential caregivers are family members of residents that had received permission and have been coming in since the start of January. She said several come in every day or at least frequently. Twelve essential caregivers were able to receive the vaccine at Goldfinch.

Everyone is scheduled to get their second vaccine dose on Feb. 24. A third appointment is being made for those who initially declined the vaccine this round.

“If someone decides they want it, they will have the opportunity. We’ll have a round two and a round three,” Rubis said.

To date, Goldfinch Estates hasn’t had any positive COVID-19 cases among its residents.

“We continue to remain very humble and blessed. We’re really proud of that, but you never know when. If and when it happens here, it will forever change who we are. And the pandemic has forever changed all of us and the world we live in and how we live in it,” Rubis said.

Goldfinch Estates recently opened up to visitors, though there are still restrictions to keep everyone safe. Rubis said they follow the Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

“Visitors need to schedule an appointment online. Two people in the same household can come in for a visit. They have to pass a screening and wear a mask at all times. They can’t eat or drink and need to practice social distancing,” Rubis said.

Visits are held in resident apartments so that everyone can stay comfortable.

“We added a concierge. They do the screening, scheduling and allow people in,” Rubis said.

She said many people have taken advantage of the visits, eagerly visiting family they haven’t been able to see for months.

Rubis said everyone at Goldfinch has remained diligent, following social distancing when eating meals and doing other activities.

“I want to commend our families, residents and staff. This pandemic has really challenged us and it hasn’t always been easy. We get so much appreciation from families and residents for keeping them healthy and safe. The staff have worked really hard and they’ve changed their lives to be able to help. They take their jobs seriously here at Goldfinch Estates,” Rubis said.

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