Walz Announces 5-Point Battle Plan

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Governor Walz last week announced a 5-Point Battle Plan to Protect the Most Vulnerable, which is targeted at seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living.  

The plan includes:

1. Expanded testing for residents and workers in long-term care facilities.
2. Testing support and troubleshooting to clear barriers faster.
3. Distribution of personal protective equipment to facilities when needed.
4. Adequate staffing levels for the hardest-hit facilities.
5. Enhanced partnerships to better apply their skills and talents.

“Governor Walz has heard the call from caregivers for an even stronger Minnesota collaboration to address the need for more testing, personal protective equipment and adequate staffing for senior care settings,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “Senior care providers, who are actively working to prevent and mitigate coronavirus in their settings, welcome the news of this action plan and stand ready to implement its recommendations.”

The plan builds on the work that is already being done in our settings and strengthens collaboration with the state in the area of PPE, testing and staffing. MDH Commissioner Malcolm said the plan “is not so much about fixing something that is broken or deficient as it is about ramping up some systems to deal with an unprecedented level of need...and giving providers the tools and support they need to rise to this unprecedented challenge.”

Download the 5-Point Battle Plan presentation slides.

The Long-Term Care Imperative distributed this news release when the plan was announced. Since then, we and our partner in the Imperative have been pushing the MDH for details on the overall strategy, implementation of the testing plan, and seeking support for PPE and staffing shortages.

MDH today said the 5-Point Battle Plan is still being operationalized and that it will take time to get it fully implemented statewide. In a media briefing on Tuesday, MDH Commissioner Malcolm said the state’s role is to assist senior care settings with utilizing their own infection control and emergency response plans and providing support where needed. We will share more details on this plan when released by MDH.