Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor reports COVID-19 test results

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor received good news with the results of campus-wide testing completed last week. All residents—independent living, assisted living, memory care and health care—tested negative for COVID-19.

Last week, the community tested 212 residents and employees. Employees tested during the campus-wide testing on June 25 also were negative for COVID-19. Two employees were out of town and will be tested this week. In addition, follow-up testing will be done related to the two previously reported positive tests.

“Our top priority continues to be the safety of our residents and staff members,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director.  

Both employees who previously tested positive will remain in isolation until cleared to work by the Cowley County Health Department. Per CDC guidelines, there are two ways team members can be cleared to return to work. Team members may return to work once they have been symptom free for 72 hours without the aid of a fever reducer and demonstrate improvement in respiratory symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic employees must have negative results from an FDA Emergency Use Authorized COVID-19 molecular assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from at least 2 consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart (total of two negative specimens).  Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor implemented a strict no visitor policy at the community and discontinued group activities and communal dining for the entire campus per guidelines released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CDC on March 13.

We encourage all staff members to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated.  We have been screening employees as they enter the community building for a shift and before employees have any direct contact with residents.  We educate all employees to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well.

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

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