Non-direct care employees test positive for COVID-19 at AC PMMA

Two new cases of COVID-19 were detected at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor this week.

“We continue our efforts to protect the health and safety of our residents and employees,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) vice president for health and wellness and infection preventionist.

The first employee last worked September 7, screening in before their shift and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The second employee also last worked September 7. The employee tested negative during surveillance testing on Tuesday, but contacted a supervisor to report that a close contact had tested positive for COVID-19 that day. The employee was asked to quarantine at home. The employee sought testing after exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with the virus and was confirmed positive.

Employee surveillance testing will continue next week as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based on the Cowley County positivity rate for COVID-19 tests.

The Cowley County Health Department has been notified and we will follow their direction. Due to the high county positivity rate, the health department recommends continuing to suspending indoor visitation for all residents as a precaution. Outdoor visits will continue.

We will follow CDC and KDHE guidelines for when an employee or contractor may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic individuals may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and their symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees and contractors will quarantine for at least 10 days. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

PMMA continues to strongly encourage all staff, residents and their families to receive the vaccine. Every person who receives the vaccine will strengthen the protection for all residents, staff and the community at-large.

All team members 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 individual should not report to work if he or she is 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.