Aberdeen Heights' Continuing Efforts Against COVID-19

Aberdeen Heights received good news as the community continues to work tirelessly to keep COVID-19 at a minimum on its campus. In a third round of campus-wide testing conducted June 29 for residents of The Glen at Aberdeen Heights and all Aberdeen Heights employees, all tests were negative for COVID-19.

The first positive case at the community was identified May 29 when a health care resident tested positive for the virus. Since then, a second health care resident, an agency essential direct-care provider, and six employees have tested positive for the virus.

“Our top priority remains the safety of our residents and staff members,” said Rick Cumberland, executive director.

The first positive triggered the testing of all Aberdeen Heights employees and all residents of The Glen at Aberdeen Heights, which includes assisted living, memory care and health care. Two additional rounds of campus-wide testing have been completed, including the testing June 29.

The community has been working closely with the St. Louis County Health Department and Dr. Alka Kapoor, the community’s medical director, to address the outbreak. Per the Centers for Disease Control and the health department, one case is considered an outbreak. To close the outbreak, the campus conducted another round of tests July 7 of employees and residents of The Glen. Results are expected later in the week.

Testing and quarantining have been completed in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health department recommendations. Residents who were in direct contact with the positive employees were placed in isolation pending COVID-19 testing results.

The employees who tested positive will remain in isolation until cleared to return to work by the St. Louis County Health Department. Per CDC guidelines, team members may return to work once they have negative results from an FDA Emergency Use Authorized COVID-19 molecular assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from at least 2 consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart (total of two negative specimens). Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

Aberdeen Heights continues to screen all employees as they enter the community building for a shift and before they have any direct contact with residents. In addition, staff members are wearing masks per CDC recommendations.

For more information about Aberdeen Heights’ response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, presbyterianmanors.org/media-room.

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