Essential health care worker tests positive for COVID-19

A contract essential healthcare worker at Farmington Presbyterian Manor tested positive for COVID-19 December 24. The contractor reported signs or symptoms consistent with the virus after passing pre-shift screening. The contractor wore personal protective equipment as required.

We have notified the St. Francois County Health Department and will follow their guidance. Visitation continues with infection control precautions and social distancing requirements per new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.

We will follow CDC guidelines for when the contractor may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic individuals may return to work when at least 24 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 contractors will quarantine for 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 Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, PresbyterianManors.org/media-room.

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