St. Marys Manor continues to fight COVID-19

UPDATE: Since June 2, 13 residents and 14 associates have tested positive for COVID-19. Several have already come out of isolation / been able to return to work. All have experienced only minor symptoms.

A new variant that is causing increased COVID-19 infections around the country has not spared our area. Since June 2, St. Marys Manor has had eight residents and ten associates test positive for COVID-19. All residents are currently experiencing only minor symptoms and are stable.

The Manor has been following COVID-19 guidance and protocols throughout the pandemic. Staff members have remained masked since mid-2020 and have adopted enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices, and all staff are tested regularly according to levels of community transmission and/or facility outbreak status.

Current guidance requires the following:

Visitors are allowed but must be screened and wear a mask to enter the facility. If visiting a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19, visitors must also wear a face shield, gown, and gloves.
Staff are being tested twice during each shift.
Residents are being tested daily.
Residents who have confirmed or probable cases or who are exposed are quarantined for 10 days, regardless of vaccination and booster status, to protect the health of other fragile residents.
Staff who have confirmed cases do not work while ill. CHCS follows CDC/KDHE guidance to ensure staff have time off to recover from illness.

The top priority of St. Marys Manor is providing care and ensuring a safe environment for all residents. The Manor entrance has been locked to ensure that all who enter are properly screened and masked, and all staff members are wearing masks and following COVID-19 safety protocols.

“We are hopeful that this outbreak will prove short-lived. In the meantime, we are doing our best to protect the health and safety of both residents and staff,” said Lura Flentie, CHCS Director of Senior Services.

Flentie added that she hopes family members and the community can continue to cooperate with the Manor to follow screening and masking guidelines when visiting.

“We rely on our community to help us. We don’t make the rules, but we have to follow them or risk being shut down. We hope everyone will be kind as we work our way through this situation,” Flentie said.

Resident family members or members of the community who have questions should contact Lura Flentie at 785-437-2286 or Shannon Heim, St. Marys Manor Administrator, at 785-437-2286, ext. 4808.