coronavirus

Karen Elliott is an infection control nurse. She knows how to prevent disease. She was an advocate for hand hygiene before COVID-19 was in the news. She helps others learn how to take precautions. So she’ll never catch COVID-19, right?

Wrong.

Elliott still doesn’t know how she contracted the virus, but she started have symptoms on October 1. After experiencing gradually worsening symptoms at home (cough, headache, body aches, fever, diarrhea, nausea, loss of taste,...

Counties in northeast Kansas are seeing increasing COVID-19 activity, and Community HealthCare System is no exception. CHCS clinics are finding increased positivity rates among patients who are tested for the virus.

Widespread community transmission in the area means that our associates are increasingly likely to be affected. Ongoing testing at Eastridge Skilled Nursing Facility in Centralia and St. Marys Manor in St. Marys has identified one positive associate in each...

COVID-19 has caused many problems this year, but one of the most concerning for many people has been the safety and isolation of loved ones in nursing homes. At Eastridge and St. Marys Manor, our staff has worked diligently to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19 infection while also ensuring that residents are cared for physically, spiritually, and mentally. Staff members have planned special activities and worked with residents to maintain family and social connections via FaceTime and visits...

Two associates at Redbud Plaza Assisted Living in Onaga have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Lura Flentie, director of long-term care services at Community HealthCare System, or CHCS, residents and family members have been informed, per Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Pottawatomie County Public Health guidelines.

“CHCS and our associates have done all we can to mitigate the risks of spreading COVID-19, and the associate was wearing a KN5 mask...

You aren’t feeling well. You are tired and achy, and you have a cough. Do you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? As flu season approaches, it’s important to learn how to recognize a few differences and know when to seek help from your healthcare provider.  

If you have a cold, your symptoms probably came on gradually. The most common symptoms are a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild to moderate cough. General aches and pains and fatigue...

An associate at Eastridge Skilled Nursing Facility in Centralia has tested positive for COVID-19. The associate was wearing a KN95 mask during their shift. When the associate was notified that they had tested positive, the associate was an hour and a half into their shift and left work immediately. The associate is asymptomatic and was tested at another workplace in a county in north-central Kansas as part of that facility's routine screening of all employees. At this time, no other...

Some of our patients have asked questions about mask requirements and possible exemptions. CHCS providers can discuss adaptations and alternatives for those who experience mild difficulties wearing a mask. Many different styles and fabrics are available, and some wearers may find one particular type of mask more comfortable than other types. Providers may issue a mask exemption, but circumstances that require an exemption are exceedingly rare. As always, individuals...

Although the Community HealthCare System Onaga Community Hospital has been open to selected visitors and support persons for patients since June 1, the Cafeteria and Community Home Care Equipment store have remained closed. That will change on Monday, August 3.  

On August 3, both the Cafeteria and Community Home Care Equipment store will allow visitors and patients who have been screened at the hospital main entrance and who are following the mask policy.  

Cafeteria 

CHCS...

Masks or face coverings are required for all who enter Community HealthCare System facilities effective Monday, July 13. 

Masks were previously required for certain patients and visitors but optional for support persons and patients with wellness appointments, but the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases around the state and in northeast Kansas caused CHCS to re-examine the policy. Associates have worn masks at work since April and will continue to do so. 

Dr. Tom Walsh...

by Andrea Lutz, doctor of physical therapy
CHCS Rehabilitation and Fitness Manager

COVID-19 has developed a double meaning: Echoing the dreaded “freshman 15,” it can describe the weight people have gained during stay-at-home orders and periods of stress and uncertainty associated with the pandemic. Many Americans had workout options limited. But just because quarantine limited when and where we could go doesn’t mean it should take over how...