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

A client at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) in Moose Lake died Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, of COVID-19. It is the third COVID-related death among clients at MSOP facilities. The prior deaths occurred on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 2020.

Under patient data privacy laws, no further information can be released.

“We mourn his passing and extend our deepest sympathy to those who loved him and called him friend,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “The toll the pandemic continues to take in human lives is tragic.”

Nearly 740 civilly committed clients receive treatment at MSOP facilities in Moose Lake and St. Peter. Currently, there are no 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.

In an effort to identify and isolate unknown or asymptomatic COVID infections, MSOP has implemented voluntary mass testing of staff and clients on its campuses in Moose Lake and St. Peter. 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. The most recent round of testing in Moose Lake yielded no positive results among staff or clients. Testing will continue until the facilities have gone two weeks without a new positive case.

In addition, 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 wear cloth masks when outside of their rooms. 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.

Other safety precautions have also 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.