Silver Cross Continues To See High Coronavirus Hospitalizations

NEW LENOX, IL — Silver Cross Hospital continues to see high numbers of hospitalizations of COVID patients. On Monday, the hospital had 126 patients; 122 are COVID-positive and four are patients under investigation, Director Of Marketing And Community Relations Debra Robbins told Patch.

Two of those patients are on ventilators and there are 17 of those patients in ICU beds, Robbins said.

Silver Cross CEO Ruth Colby also appeared on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's news conference on Monday.

"Hospital healthcare workers are weary," Colby said during the conference, adding that over 60 healthcare workers at Silver Cross are unable to work currently due to contacting COVID in the community.

"The hospital is safe; we have PPE, we have visitor restrictions, we have all kinds of protocol in place; so please do not delay medical care," Colby said. "But what we're seeing is our staff contracting and being exposed to the disease in small community gatherings or in places where people are not wearing masks."

Silver Cross is located in Will County, which is part of Region 7 of the Restore Illinois Plan. According to hospitalization data from IDPH, there are 32 ICU beds available out of 162; and 69 ventilators available out of 136.

The latest statewide data shows that 1,144 COVID patients are in the ICU statewide, and 514 are on ventilators.

“Wash your hands often; avoid close contact by putting 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household; and everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household," Silver Cross' Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chris Udovich said. "Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection, then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Lastly, monitor your health daily. Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re feeling ill, stay home and contact your health care provider for further guidance.”