AARP has been fighting in Washington DC, St. Paul, and state capitols across the country to make sure that older Americans are prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and have timely and accurate information about how and when to sign up to get vaccinated. And while we are encouraged by the milestones and progress of last week - including eclipsing the one million mark for vaccination, the continued downward trends in COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations, the work to vaccinate residents and staff in long term care, and the launch of the Minnesota Vaccine Connector - we know that our state’s vaccination rollout has left too many feeling frustrated and confused. A recent online questionnaire fielded between 2/12 and 2/15 by email to AARP members across Minnesota reflected just that. More than 1,700 AARP members completed the questionnaire.
The pictures, maybe you’ve seen them. Sons and daughters, moms and dads, husbands and wives – separated by a glass window. This is how some family members are visiting loved ones living in Minnesota’s nursing home and assisted living facilities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. And as heartbreaking as these pictures are, worse are the stories of people dying alone and of goodbyes not said.
Search AARP States
Connecting you to what matters most, like neighbors do. Find events, volunteer opportunities and more near you.
Sign Up & Stay Connected