April 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boone County Health Department Reports Confirmed Positive COVID-19 Case in a Long-Term Care Facility
BOONE COUNTY— Boone County Health Department (BCHD) has identified our first positive case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in a long-term care facility. We had previously identified another case in an assisted living facility. Although Public Health Officials do not typically identify facilities, the following facilities reported cases quickly and elected to self-identify in the interest of public welfare and ongoing care for their residents and concern for their staffs:
Symphony Northwoods
Heritage Woods of Belvidere
BCHD has been working closely with both facilities and they have taken proactive steps to protect the health of residents and preserve the health care workforce. Comprehensive prevention measures have included active screening of health care personnel, including measurement and documentation of body temperature and ascertainment of respiratory symptoms to identify and exclude symptomatic workers and symptom monitoring of residents. By identifying and excluding potentially infected staff members, ensuring early recognition of potentially infected residents, and implementing appropriate infection control measures both facilities are protecting our most vulnerable older adults and local health care workers.
BCHD reminds everyone that nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities have the highest risk populations due to their age and underlying medical conditions.
What the public can do:
STAY CALM: You are not alone in this; your community is here to support you. Talk to your friends and family and let them know if you are having concerns.
STAY APART: Keep at least six feet away from others including while shopping. Avoid the lines by taking advantage of pick-up and delivery services for groceries and other goods.
STAY PUT: Stay home, and only go out when essential (buying groceries, pick-up medicine, etc.).
By doing these three things you are not only protecting yourself but those in our community who are at greater risk for contracting this virus, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
For more information about COVID-19, and the latest updates and guidance please visit the IDPH and CDC websites at: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For general questions regarding the COVID-19, please call our information line at 815-547-8561 (8:00 to 4:30 M-F) or email us at: COVID19@boonehealth.org ####
About The Boone County Health Department The Boone County Health Department is a local health department committed to serving the health needs of its almost 54,000 residents. Established in 1966, we promote and protect the health of the people and the communities in Boone County, right here, where they live, work, learn and play.
Above is from: https://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/images/file/04-10-20%20COVID-19%20Case%20LTC.pdf
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