Elim Christian Services Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus

CRESTWOOD, IL — An employee at Elim Christian Services that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The Crestwood non-profit organization was notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Board of Education this weekend of employee’s illness. Elim will remain closed through April 6.

Elim operates a school for children ages 3 through 12 with developmental and physical disabilities and programs for adults, including vocational, life skills, recreation, social skills and self advocacy. The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 works in the adult services programs.

[“We] have all been praying for the employee,” Elim said in a written statement on its website. “Per protocol, public health officials worked with the employee to generate a list of persons with whom they may have had close contact. Those individuals are being contacted and instructed to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for a medication-free fever of over 99 degrees, a persistent cough and/or shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms manifest, these direct contacts have been instructed to consult their physician. We have been and will continue to follow the protocols laid out by public health.”

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Employees are currently prohibited from being on the Elim campus at 13020 S. Central Ave., Crestwood through March 30, after which adult services are expected to resume. Students at the school will return after their spring bring on April 6.

“As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our entire community, we will keep the entire community updated and informed while you practice social distancing,” Elim officials said.

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This story has been updated with new information.