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Newton Presbyterian Manor announces test results, resident deaths

One health care resident, one essential health care worker and two non-direct resident care employees tested positive for COVID-19 at Newton Presbyterian Manor since December 4, and three campus residents who previously tested positive for the virus have died.

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

One health care resident tested positive for COVID-19 in mass testing Monday, December 7. 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.

Two non-direct resident care employees tested positive for the virus in testing on Monday, December 7. The first employee last worked December 7, and the second employee last worked December 8. Both employees passed pre-shift screening and wore personal protective equipment as required.

On Wednesday, December 9, 84 employees were tested for COVID-19 in the second round of surveillance testing. One essential health care worker tested positive. The employees last worked December 8 in health care, passed pre-shift screening and wore PPE as required.

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.

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.

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