Topeka Presbyterian Manor employee staff positive for COVID-19

A Topeka Presbyterian Manor employee has tested positive for COVID-19 following bi-weekly testing on Monday, December 7 and Tuesday, December 8. No residents tested positive this week. Testing will continue next week.

“After a tough number of weeks, it’s reassuring to see no new residents testing positive,” said Heather Pilkinton, executive director. “With that said, our prayers are with our employee and we will remain vigilant.”

The employee last worked on November 7. They screened in prior to working and wore personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the building.

We have notified the Shawnee Community Health Department and will continue with bi-weekly testing.

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

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

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

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