Aberdeen Heights employee tests COVID-19 positive

A non-essential direct resident contact employee at Aberdeen Heights tested positive this week for COVID-19. The employee, who does not show signs or symptoms of the virus, is quarantined at home.

“Our top priority is remains the safety of our residents and staff members,” said Rick Cumberland, executive director. “We were notified by the employee of the positive test on June 3. The employee’s last resident contact was May 28.”

This is the second identified case tied to Aberdeen Heights. The senior living community has identified the employee’s contacts in the building and they were tested June 4. Employees with direct contact will quarantine for 14 days.  The St. Louis County Health Department and required federal, state and local agencies have been notified.

The employee has been wearing a mask while working, per CDC recommendations. The employee is not showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and passed employee screening at Aberdeen Heights prior to working their shifts. The employee will be re-tested and must be COVID-19 negative before returning to work. Per CDC guidelines, the employee must 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).

All employees were tested for COVID-19 June 4, and residents in The Glen, which includes health care, memory support and assisted living, were also tested per health department recommendations after the community was notified a health care resident tested positive May 29.

All staff members are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or are not feeling well.

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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