Patient in Moose Lake sex offender treatment program dies from COVID-19

A client at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake died Tuesday from COVID-19, according to the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS).

According to DHS, it is the first COVID-related death among MSOP clients and staff. Due to data privacy laws, the patient wasn’t identified.

"Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it’s especially painful under these circumstances, when the pandemic is claiming so many lives," DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead said. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all those who will miss him."

Moose Lake is one of two MSOP facilities in the state, with the other in St. Peter. Of the nearly 740 civilly committed clients receiving treatment at the facilities, there were 18 active COVID-19 cases as of Thursday, DHS said.

The facilities screen staff daily and the wearing of surgical masks is required for staff while clients are required to wear cloth masks. Additionally, clients are only allowed to move and gather within their units, and those who have been exposed to COVID or have confirmed cases are quarantined, DHS said.