Newton Presbyterian Manor shares test results, resident deaths

One health care resident and three essential health care workers tested positive for COVID-19 at Newton Presbyterian Manor last week, and two residents who previously tested positive for the virus died at the community.

“We are deeply saddened,” said Marc Kessinger. “I would encourage all to join us in praying for these residents’ families during this difficult time.”  

The residents had been cared for in COVID-19 isolation by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection prevention protocols and physician’s orders.

One health care resident was administered a rapid point-of-care test November 28 after exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  When the positive result was received, the resident was placed in COVID-19 isolation to be cared for by designated staff according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention infection control protocols and physician’s orders.

The campus will follow CDC and KDHE guidelines for when the residents may come out of isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’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.

On Monday, November 30, tests were administered to 91 employees and 19 health care residents. All health care residents tested were negative for COVID-19. One essential health care worker, who last worked December 1, tested positive. The employee passed pre-shift screening and wore personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

On Wednesday, December 2, 81 employees were tested for COVID-19 in the second round of surveillance testing. Two essential health care workers tested positive. The employees last worked December 3 in health care, passed pre-shift screening and wore PPE as required. Both tested negative on Monday, November 30. The employees will quarantine until cleared to return to work.

The campus follows CDC and KDHE guidelines in determining when employees and contractors may return to work.  Under the current guidelines, the employee or contractor may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of their fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and their symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. If asymptomatic, the employee or contractor must quarantine for at least 10 days before returning to work. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

The Harvey County Health Department has been notified and recommends continuing with our outbreak and surveillance testing. The senior living community will follow any additional guidance the health department provides.

With these cases, our 7-day total for new COVID-19 cases is 4 – 3 employees and 1 resident. In-person visitation, group activities and communal dining remain on pause at the campus. Families are encouraged to schedule window and virtual visits with their loved ones during this time.

On November 17, the community received word it had received zero deficiencies for its infection control and prevention efforts on a focused infection control survey conducted on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This is the community’s second zero deficiency infection control survey in the health care center since August 1. The community also received zero deficiencies on a focused infection control survey in assisted living in July.

All employees and residents 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.