New coronavirus cluster identified at The Manor Nursing Home at Park West

A third nursing home in the Wichita area has been identified as a coronavirus cluster, public health officials say, and another nursing home resident has died of COVID-19.

The Manor Nursing Home at Park West has had seven residents test positive for COVID-19, including one who died at a hospital, the Sedgwick County Health Department said in a news release. Two staff members have also tested positive.

All residents have been tested. Twelve came back negative, and results are pending for three. Staff will be tested by the health department at no cost.

Sedgwick County Commission Chair Pete Meitzner was asked about the cluster at the county’s afternoon media briefing, two and a half hours before the county sent out a news release.

“Right away, when these things are getting looked at, (the county asks) is there any immediate danger to the public if the public’s exposed. And the good news is there’s no public danger at that facility,” Meitzner said.

The Manor Nursing Home at Park West is the third coronavirus cluster at a long-term care facility in Sedgwick County. There have also been outbreaks at three local businesses and three religious institutions.

“The health and safety of our residents and staff is our top priority,” said Chris Mahen, an executive of the nursing home. “Unfortunately, one of our residents has passed away from COVID-19 and we are brokenhearted and all grieve their loss. Our team continues to monitor CDC, CMS, State and County Health department guidelines in the application of best practices to mitigate the spread of the disease in our facility. We welcome the collaborative resources of County and State Health Departments.”

The Manor has been closed to visitors since March 13. Mahen said the nursing home “has followed strict protocols for entry to only essential workers.

“We are working with The Manor to monitor and protect residents and staff from the spread of COVID-19,” said County Health Director Adrienne Byrne. “Older adults are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 we want to work with providers helping to ensure their health and safety. This is an unprecedented territory for everyone and we appreciate Mr. Mahen and his team’s commitment to resident care.”

Contributing: Chance Swaim of The Eagle.

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 5:03 PM.