Minnesota Sex Offender Program reports second COVID-related death of a client in Moose Lake

A client at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) in Moose Lake died Wednesday, Dec. 9, of COVID-19. It is the second COVID-related death among clients at MSOP facilities. The first death occurred on Dec.2.

The deceased’s family has been notified. Under patient data privacy laws, no further information can be released.

“We offer our condolences to his family and all who are grieving,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We’re all saddened by this loss.”

Nearly 740 civilly committed clients receive treatment at MSOP facilities in Moose Lake and St. Peter. Currently, there are 20 active cases of COVID-19 among clients in MSOP facilities.

All facilities have implemented stringent infection-prevention and control measures to protect clients and staff from COVID-19.

Staff are screened daily for fever and other COVID symptoms before they begin their shifts and are required to wear surgical masks while on duty. Clients ae required to wear cloth masks. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, clients are only allowed to move and gather with others who live in their units. Clients who have been exposed to COVID or who have confirmed infections are quarantined or isolated to prevent transmission.

In addition, MSOP has implemented voluntary mass testing of staff and clients. The point prevalence testing takes place one day each week and targets all willing staff and clients who are in the facility during a specific shift. Testing will continue until the facilities have gone two weeks without a new positive case.

Additional safety precautions have been implemented, including the temporary suspension of outside visits to MSOP facilities. Vendors or essential service providers who must enter the facilities must pass a screening first.