Virus claims four lives as Tuff nursing home in Hills dealing with outbreak

Four residents at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills have lost their lives to Covid-19, and 30 others have tested positive for the virus.
In addition, 15 staff members are positive as of Tuesday and are taking measures to quarantine. Some of those are returning to work after quarantining and some residents are no longer considered active cases.
Tuff Administrator Eli Ripley said the outbreak is creating challenges, but he said the facility is managing.
“Morale is better this week and we really are working as a team to fight this nasty virus and get it out of our facility as quickly and safely as possible,” he said Tuesday.
“Staff is very motivated and everyone is pitching in and wearing extra hats to get the things done that need to be done.”
Staff members who tested positive are quarantining away from their jobs for two weeks, and Ripley said staff vacancies have been difficult to fill.
“If you’re a CNA and want some work, we could use you,” Ripley said. Tuff currently employs 39 people.
Nursing homes have protocols to follow in the event of pandemic outbreaks, and Ripley said the Tuff Home is following those.
“I, as the administrator, am very proud at how the staff pulled together and is working as a team during this chaotic and scary time,” Ripley said.
“We have gotten great support from the community and appreciate everyone who has helped, no matter how big or small.”
The Minnesota National Guard has been testing Tuff Home residents and staff to help identify and quarantine those who may not yet realize they’re positive.
Rock County Emergency Management Director Kyle Oldre and state public health officials are assisting the Tuff Home with the outbreak.
“This is a very difficult disease to try to get ahead of,” Oldre said at the start of the outbreak.
“Obviously we want to do everything we can to care for the residents in the Tuff Home and keep them there and keep the facility open as long as possible.”
He praised Ripley and Tuff Home lead staff for their handling of the outbreak.
“I think they’ve done a great job down there,” Oldre said. “They’ve done absolutely everything they possibly can.”
Like other nursing homes throughout the state, the Tuff Home and Tuff Village have been in lockdown mode since March 16, with no visitors allowed.
On the Tuff Home website, Ripley offers contact assistance for family and visitors.
“We understand connecting with your loved one is extremely important,” he writes. “We are happy to set up telephone calls or other means of communication with your loved ones per your request.”
The number to the facility is 507-962-3275.
The Tuff residents’ COVID deaths bring Rock County’s total to five. However, those losses aren’t yet reflected on the Minnesota Department of Health website.