Long-term Care Facility COVID-19 Test Results

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Sedgwick County and Catholic Care Center announce COVID-19 test results. In June, two staff at Catholic Care Center tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It is unclear where the staff were exposed. The staff members have since recovered.

The Center states: We are thankful that both associates have made a complete recovery and would like to recognize our team for their strict adherence to the infection control protocols that mitigated the spread of the virus within the community. They truly exemplify our mission of knowing, loving, and serving seniors.

Per protocol, the facility tested residents in June and found that 11 tested positive yet had no symptoms. A second round of resident testing showed all 11 residents were COVID-19 negative. The Center’s medical director personally examined each resident and found them to be free of any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Since that time, no other staff or resident has developed symptoms or tested positive.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deemed the cases a cluster based on the first round of test results.

“We are working closely with the Catholic Care Center to monitor and protect their residents and staff from COVID-19,” said County Health Director Adrienne Byrne. “We know that this disease is especially dangerous for older adults and we want to ensure their health and safety.”

As with all notifiable diseases, Sedgwick County investigates reports of COVID-19. If a case is identified in a long-term care facility, Sedgwick County recommends that the facility isolate any symptomatic people away from other residents. Residents and staff are tested, either by the Health Department or through the facility. The facility monitors all residents and staff for symptoms. Sedgwick County works with them to ensure all close contacts are identified and are properly quarantined or isolated.

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