May 15, 2020

Dear residents and families of Walker Methodist,

The new Stay Safe directive from Minnesota Governor Walz and the Wisconsin Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Governor Tim Evers' Safer At Home order are opening the doors of most business again, but the spread of COVID-19 is only anticipated to grow in the weeks ahead. Because our residents are at high-risk of severe consequences from COVID-19, federal and state guidelines restrict us from relaxing rules for visitation and other group activities at this time. Until we receive further clarification from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and the Department of Health, visitor restrictions must remain in place as we work on plans to re-open our settings and welcome families back in.

We understand your desire to meet your loved ones in person. We, too, look forward to the day we can open our doors to see your family again. We ask for patience as we continue to work toward establishing ways to facilitate safe and secure visits. As we seek to find better ways to connect families, we will continue to do all that we can to facilitate virtual visits for the time being.

This is not easy news to deliver—we wish we could put everything back the way it was before. As we’ve reflected on all that’s transpired in the last two months, we’ve realized that this virus has brought us back to the very foundation of who we are as an organization. Our mission is Life. At our very core, we value the lives of those we serve above all else. Never has our mission been more crucial than it is right now. You have entrusted us with your life or the life of someone you love, and we will always hold that life with the highest honor.

Thank you for trusting us. We ask for your patience and understanding. Together we will overcome.

Scott Riddle,
President and CEO, Walker Methodist