16 people at Aase Haugen Homes in Decorah have tested positive for COVID-19

Aase Haugen Senior Services is announcing that 12 of its residents and four of its staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Iowa Department of Public Health and the Winneshiek County Public Health Nursing Service are working with Aase Haugen staff to help with the outbreak.  The nursing home has isolated the residents who have tested positive and has sent home staff members to recover.

Aase Haugen has suspended visits with residents, as well as the delivery of food and clothing dropped off by families and the delivery of flowers from flower shops.

Postal deliveries will still be accepted and Aase Haugen is encouraging families to mail items directly to relatives in the facility.  Families are also being encouraged to use video chat, phone calls or texts to stay in touch. 

The nursing home says all its staff are screened when they enter the building and when they leave the building, looking for any signs of COVID-19 symptoms.  All staff wear personal protective equipment.

Aase Haugen's statement says, "We hope to open back up as soon as possible and when we can lift this suspension, we'll let you know."