By Jill Fennema –

Last Wednesday, individuals, families, and children converged on Edgebrook Care Center for a parade to celebrate Independence Day and have some limited interaction with the residents who have been in isolation for months.

The parade included nearly a hundred people who walked around the perimeter of the facility in view of residents who looked on from their windows. People had signs, balloons, and many wore red, white, and blue as part of the celebration. One resident called the newspaper office later that day to express how much they appreciated the parade and seeing all the people who cared about them.

Residents were just starting to enjoy being able to meet one-on-one with family members outdoors. However, due to increasing numbers of COVID-19 in the area, Edgebrook returned to lockdown. One resident at the Good Samaritan facility in Pipestone died with the virus on Sunday, June 28. Others there had tested positive as well.

At Edgebrook, an employee tested positive, but there were no confirmed cases in residents at the time of this printing.

This statement was issued on Friday morning: “Good Samaritan Society – Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota, confirms that one staff member of the nursing home area has tested positive for COVID-19. Good Samaritan Society continues to utilize vigorous infection prevention techniques, and continues to follow guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control. The health, safety, and well-being of our residents, staff, and the community we serve is our top priority.”

As of Monday, Pipestone County had 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2 deaths. Roughly half the cases were new in the last 10 to 12 days.

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