10 new cases of COVID-19 at Newton Presbyterian Manor

Ten new cases of COVID-19 were detected at Newton Presbyterian Manor this week.

Two residents tested positive after exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with the virus. The residents have been isolated and are cared for by designated team members following KDHE and CDC guidelines for infection control and prevention and physician’s orders.

Three essential health care employees, a contact essential health care worker and three non-direct resident care employees tested positive. The employees and contractor last worked between January 9 and January 13, passing pre-shift screenings and wearing personal protective equipment as required. This brings the total cases since January 4 at our campus to 12 – seven employees, two residents and three contract health care workers.

The Harvey County Health Department has been notified, and the campus will follow their guidance. Employees will be tested again next week in compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated testing requirement.

Newton Presbyterian Manor will follow PMMA’s Emergent Infectious Disease (EID) Policy and CDC and KDHE guidelines for when the employees and contractor may return to work. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

PMMA strongly encourages our families, employees and residents to carefully consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination 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.

All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well.

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