Newton Presbyterian Manor publishes test results, resident deaths

Two non-direct resident care employees tested positive for COVID-19 at Newton Presbyterian Manor since December 14, and two campus residents who previously tested positive for the virus have died.

“Our residents are like family, and each loss is difficult,” said Marc Kessinger. “Please join us in praying for these residents’ families during this difficult time.”  

All test results for the 21 residents mass tested on Monday, December 14, were negative.

Employee surveillance testing December 14 and December 16 identified two new cases of COVID-19. Both are non-direct resident care employees who passed pre-shift screenings and wore personal protective equipment as required. One last worked December 9 and the other one last worked Monday, December 14. 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. The next round of testing for residents and employees will be Monday, December 21. Employees will be tested a second time next week in compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated testing requirements.

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.