|
 "I am deeply saddened by the news that we've
dreaded since the earliest days of this outbreak: the first COVID-19
related death in Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "All of
Illinois stands with this patient's family and loved ones in
mourning her loss and honoring her memory. May her memory be a
blessing. There are going to be moments during the next few weeks
and months when this burden feels like it is more than we can bear –
this is one of those moments, but we will get through this
together.”
IDPH announced this past weekend the first resident in a long-term
care in Illinois to test positive for COVID-19. Following aggressive
testing at the facility, IDPH has now confirmed an additional 21
cases at the facility, 17 residents and four staff.
“In addition to the death we are sad to report today, we are also
reporting an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility,”
said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Residents in nursing homes are
our most vulnerable population and we are doing everything we can to
protect them. We may see cases in other long-term care facilities,
which is why it is so important that we all do our part to reduce
possible exposure in the community to those who go in and out of
these facilities as they provide care to resident.”
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Updated guidance for nursing homes:
• Restrict all visitation except for certain compassionate care
situations, such as end of life residents
• Restrict all volunteers and non-essential health care personnel
(e.g., barbers)
• Cancel all group activities and communal dining
• Implement active screening of residents and health care personnel
for fever and respiratory symptoms
Additional guidance for long-term care facilities is on the IDPH
website.
Currently, IDPH is reporting 160 cases in 15 counties in Illinois.
Cases have occurred in ages 9 to 91. Cases by county can be found on
the IDPH website, as well as a list of local health departments.
For information on actions you, your school, workplace, and
community can take, please visit Steps to Stay Safe from COVID-19.
For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at
1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
