Coronavirus: Patient Tests Positive At Silver Cross Hospital

NEW LENOX, IL — Silver Cross Hospital has reported it is treating a patient who has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The hospital said the patient is a woman in her 50s, and she remains hospitalized in isolation.

The hospital said it is working with officials from the Will County Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control.

"We are closely following the recommended guidelines outlined by these officials, and are implementing all protocols, including an exposure investigation, to identify whose who might have had contact with this patient and treat them accordingly to minimize further transmission of the virus," the hospital said.

There are now eight confirmed cases of coronavirus in Will County and 288 across Illinois. One person has died, according to state health officials.

Silver Cross Hospital has also restricted visitation in the hospital and outpatient departments, including the emergency department. The hospital said the reception desk is also not accepting outside food, flowers, or other personal items for patients.

Related: 8 Confirmed Will County Coronavirus Cases

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"We understand this change may represent a significant hardship for both patients and families. This was a difficult decision, understanding the importance of loved ones being a part of the healing process, but one we feel is critically important to protect the patients who have entrusted us with their care. We encourage inpatients to connect with family and friends by their individual mobile and internet-connected devices," the hospital said.

If you are allowed to visit due to an exception, you will be screened. There are shortened visitor hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and no one under 18 may visit.

Visitor exceptions include:

• Outpatient Surgery – one support person
• Outpatient Testing – one support person as determined on a case-by-case basis and managed by the care team and leadership
• Emergency Department – one support person determined on a case-by-case basis and managed by the care team and department leadership
• While in Labor and Delivery, patients may have one partner (same person) and one doula if needed.
• Patients in the Mother Baby Unit may have one visitor.
• Pediatric patient population may have one visitor.
• Critically ill/end-of-life situations; the number of visitors determined on a case-by-case basis and department leadership.
• One caregiver necessary for the safety of the patient as determined on a case-by-case basis and department leadership.
• The public will NOT be allowed to wait in the hospital lobby.

The hospital said screening will include asking the CDC recommended questions regarding travel and exposure and temperatures will be taken. Anyone testing positive as a result of the screening and temperature will be masked and told to go directly to their physician’s office.

Each person screened will be given a pass that shows they were screened and if they were positive or negative. Each office should request to see the pass to verify the results of the screening.

The screening and access to the building will be Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays. This process will be in place until further notice, the hospital said.