COVID-19 cluster identified in Wichita care facility. All residents, staff tested.

A new coronavirus outbreak at a Wichita facility that provides residential and day services for people with developmental disabilities has infected at least five people, local public health officials announced Monday.

The Sedgwick County Health Department has identified five cases of COVID-19 at Paradigm Services. All staff and residents have been tested and are being monitored.

The facility’s address is listed as 344 N. Wabash Ave.

“The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and staff has always been and continues to be a top priority for Paradigm Services,” said Brandy Neice, the facility’s director, in a statement. “We are following guidance from the CDC, KDHE, and the local health department to ensure that we are doing all we can to reduce the chances of our residents from contracting COVID-19.”

“We appreciate the diligence and attention to care that Paradigm Services provides to all of their residents and staff,” said Adrienne Byrne, the county’s health director, in a statement. “The Health Department recognizes that COVID-19 can be easily spread throughout the community and continues to encourage everyone to lessen the spread by using the tools in our toolbox: good hand hygiene, keeping six feet of distance away from others, and wearing a mask.”

The county has reported 49 total coronavirus clusters, and 30 of those are no longer active. The outbreaks account for 53 of the county’s 86 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

This story was originally published September 28, 2020 at 12:58 PM.