Wichita Center Reports COVID-19 Cluster

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Together Sedgwick County and Wichita Center adult care home announce a COVID-19 cluster of 12 cases (nine residents, three staff) at the facility. One resident has passed away.

“The Wichita Center has had been fully equipped with PPE since early March, as per the guidelines of the Kansas Department of Health and the CDC,” said Jeff Jacomowitz, Director of Corporate Communications at the Wichita Center.  

“Even though we have currently seen a cluster of positive COVID-19 cases and sadly one death at the Center, ongoing facility-wide testing continues.  Diligent front door screening of staff also continues and if there are indications of a fever plus noticing of any visual abnormalities, staff are turned away to go home and quarantine for 14 days.  The health and safety of our residents and staff are first and foremost our number one priority.”

“We know COVID-19 is especially dangerous for older adults,” said County Health Director Adrienne Byrne. “Our team at the Health Department is working closely with the Wichita Center to contain further spread of the disease to protect the health and safety of residents and staff.”

Sedgwick County investigates reports of notifiable diseases, like COVID-19. If a case is identified in an adult care home, Sedgwick County recommends that the facility isolate any symptomatic people away from other residents. Residents and staff are tested, either by the Health Department at no cost or through the facility. The facility monitors all residents and staff for symptoms. The Health Department works with the facility to ensure all close contacts are identified and are properly quarantined or isolated.

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