Residents at Friendship Haven who have had limited to no contact with their loved ones since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March, will soon have an opportunity to visit in person, according to Julie Thorson, president and CEO of the senior living community.

Thorson announced that Friendship Haven will allow outdoor visits beginning on Monday.

Thorson made the announcement Wednesday on social media.

“Starting Monday, even though we are in phase one (state guidelines for reopening), we are going to offer outdoor visits to residents of the Simpson Health Center, Gardens Assisted Living and River Ridge,” Thorson said. “These will be very controlled, scheduled outdoor visits.”

Thorson emphasized the need for employees, residents and visitors to continue safe and clean social practices.

“We will practice safe hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing PPE — all of the things we know we can do along with your assistance, safely, in order for our residents and you to have time together,” Thorson said.

According to Thorson, Friendship Haven cannot move to phase two of reopening until Webster County experiences a downward trend in COVID-19 cases.

“(There’s) a bit of frustration in that in order to move to phase two, we have to see downward trends in Webster County, which we are not having right now,” Thorson said.

Webster County has seen 25 new cases since Monday, according to county public health.

“I know some of you listening to this message may not have a loved one out here at Friendship Haven,” Thorson said. “I am asking you, pleading you to do your part.

“We need numbers to go down in Webster County, so we can continue to open our campus. I know that’s a lot to ask, but we need it to happen for people we serve. Enjoy the holiday weekend safely and wearing a mask.”

Thorson said more information would be available today regarding the details of how the outdoor visits will work.