Coronavirus Reported At Long-Term Facility In McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A resident at a long-term care facility in McHenry County has tested positive for the new coronavirus, health officials said over the weekend. The resident is currently hospitalized and in isolation as health officials work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to other residents and staff at the facility, according to a news release from the McHenry County Department of Health.

The health department learned of the positive test result on Saturday, according to a news release.

"Those who live in these facilities are at greater risk for poorer outcomes based on their age and underlying health conditions,” said Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson. "We've been in constant communication with long-term care facilities throughout McHenry County in an effort to provide guidance and address their needs.”

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MCDH is working with long-term care facilities to up PPE supply and prioritizing PPE supplies to those facilities in most need, according to health department officials.

In addition, the health department is encouraging all facilities to:

• Staff staying home when ill
• Screening staff at the start of their shift and midway into shift
• Washing hands frequently
• Disinfecting high touch surface
• Restricting visitors
• Proper use of PPE

The Center for Disease Control has categorized transmission of COVID-19 in Illinois as widespread. Across Illinois, the age of cases ranges from 9 months old to 99 years old.

The number of cases are expected to rise over the next three weeks.

• McHenry Co. Coronavirus: Virus Considered Widespread

The McHenry County Department of Health provides updates on the number of cases on its websites and also has the most updated information on guidance for slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the community. For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

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