Sedgwick County health officials say 14 residents and eight staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at a Haysville nursing home.
The cluster was identified at Diversicare of Haysville, and officials at the nursing home have been in touch with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment along with the Centers for Disease Control.
The Haysville facility has taken precautions and limits have been imposed on visitation. Administrator Arien Reeves said in a press release that infection control procedures are in compliance with CDC and KDHE guidance.
County commissioner David Dennis raised concerns Wednesday about the mental and physical health of nursing home residents who have not had contact with family members, and he asked if county health officials could work with nursing homes to allow some visitation while still protecting against the coronavirus. Dennis said he had been contacted by a woman whose father-in-law was having difficulties in a nursing facility. County manager Tom Stolz said he doesn’t see a time in the future for visitors to be allowed into nursing homes. There have been situations where residents are brought outside to meet with family members in the open air, and there have been presentations on a pod technology that could be used. Stolz said the county will look at options that could be considered in the future.
