Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) released Festus Manor Care Center from a COVID-19 facility order. JCHD issued an ‘Individual Facility Voluntary Isolation and Quarantine Order’ on April 19, 2020 after a COVID-19 outbreak at Festus Manor.
“We are so encouraged by the Jefferson County Health Department’s decision to lift our facility order,” states Festus Manor Interim Administrator, Becky Peterson. “Our staff has been working diligently to reach this milestone. This achievement, paired with the fact that all our residents and staff are considered ‘well,’ brings us great joy and excitement.”
JCHD has confirmed with the facility that all guidelines of the voluntary order have been met as of today. To meet guidelines, the facility had to have no new cases of COVID-19 positive residents or employees for two full quarantine cycles, or 28 days. The last positive case in the facility was identified on May 5, 2020, and that individual has made a full recovery.
“Throughout this process, Festus Manor staff and administration have worked directly with our long-term care facility team in the best interests of their residents and staff,” states Jefferson County Health Department Clinical Services Manager, Melissa Parmeley.
Jefferson County Health Department has begun ‘releasing’ residents of the facility. This means resident cases have met the criteria to be released as individuals as well.
“We are grateful for the cooperation and dedication of Festus Manor administration, staff, and families,” states Jefferson County Health Department Director Kelley Vollmar. “COVID-19 has presented challenges to our community, but established relationships with organizations like Festus Manor allow us to move forward successfully.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Jefferson County Health Department, Mercy Jefferson Hospital, ServPro and our medical director, Dr. Crawford, as we could not have made it through this challenging time without them,” states Interim Administrator Peterson. “We truly believe we are a stronger facility now than we’ve ever been before.”