Residents, employee test positive for COVID-19 at WPMMA 12/21

Two independent living residents at Wichita Presbyterian Manor have tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, a non-direct care employee has tested positive. The employee last worked on December 27, screening in prior to their shift and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while at work.

The Sedgwick County Health Department has been notified, and we will follow their guidance. Visitation continues with infection control precautions and social distancing requirements per new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.

The residents will isolate in their residence until they meet the CDC and KDHE guidelines for ending isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the individual’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days.

We will follow CDC and KDHE guidelines for when the employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic employees may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees will quarantine for at least 10 days. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC and KDHE recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

PMMA strongly encourages residents’ families, employees and residents to carefully consider obtaining a vaccine for themselves as well as their loved ones. Every person who receives the vaccine will strengthen the protection for all residents, staff and the community at-large.

For more information about Wichita Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, presbyterianmanors.org/media-room.

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