Client In Minnesota Sex Offender Program Dies Of COVID-19

CARLTON COUNTY, MN — State officials announced Monday that a client in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake died Friday of COVID-19. It's the third COVID-related death among clients at MSOP facilities. The prior deaths occurred on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 2020.

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

Nearly 740 clients receive treatment at MSOP facilities in Moose Lake and St. Peter, according to state figures. There are no active cases of COVID-19 among clients in MSOP facilities, officials said.

MSOP officials say all facilities have implemented stringent infection prevention and control measures to protect clients and staff from COVID-19:

• Voluntary mass testing of staff and clients on its campuses in Moose Lake and St. Peter
• 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