The Sedgwick County Health Department is investigating five specific locations in the county linked to multiple coronavirus infections.
Health officials say the latest cluster of cases originated at the Clearwater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. One resident has died from COVID-19, and four others have tested positive for the disease.
“The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is a top priority,” center owner Willie Novotny said in a news release. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of our residents and offer my condolences to his/her friends and family. We are continuing our efforts to keep all residents and staff safe.”
County Health Director Adrienne Byrne says they are monitoring the center’s residents and staff for symptoms, and encouraging people who had close contact with them to quarantine.
“We know that COVID-19 is especially dangerous for older adults and we want to ensure their safety,” Byrne said.
Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner said symptomatic residents were being moved to a hospital, where they would go through a complete disinfection process.
Three churches and one business in Sedgwick County are also linked to multiple COVID-19 cases. These clusters of cases involve two or more people identified in a certain timeframe and place. Officials won’t identify the locations due to privacy laws and concerns.
The number of known COVID-19 cases in Sedgwick County reached 206 on Tuesday. The nursing home death brings the county’s total deaths from the disease to three. The county says 83 people so far have recovered from their coronavirus infections. More than 1,400 county residents have been tested under the state’s limited criteria qualifications.
Statewide, the number of COVID-19 cases reached 1,426 with 69 deaths as of Tuesday.
Current health forecasts show the peak of infections and deaths in Kansas is expected around April 30-May 6.
Copyright 2020 KMUW | NPR for Wichita
