photo by: Mike Yoder

Brandon Woods assisted living

An assisted living resident at Brandon Woods at Alvamar has tested positive for COVID-19.

The case was discovered after the long-term care facility, located at 1501 Inverness Drive, completed “proactive community testing” last week, according to a statement from Brandon Woods emailed to the Journal-World. The individual with COVID-19 is currently asymptomatic, has been placed under quarantine and is receiving medical care and support.

Residents, staff and family members have been informed, as has the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

“Our dedicated caregivers are closely monitoring the individual and will keep the members of our community appropriately informed of any new developments related to the situation,” the statement said. “Brandon Woods continues to follow all recommendations and guidance prescribed by the CDC, state, and local health authorities, and we thank our residents, their families and team members for their ongoing trust and support as we work together during this challenging time.”

When asked if visitors have been allowed into Brandon Woods, a spokesperson for the organization directed the Journal-World to the COVID-19 response page for Five Star Senior Living, the company that owns Brandon Woods. Throughout the pandemic, Five Star Senior Living has had strict guidelines in place prohibiting all nonessential visitors, according to the webpage. The most recent update, dated June 12, noted that some of the Five Star Senior Living facilities had begun the process of reopening, and that executive directors of those communities would communicate with residents and families about the specifics regarding family visits.

The spokesperson said Brandon Woods has not loosened visitation guidelines, and that nonessential family visitors will still be restricted.