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Morris Hospital has confirmed its first positive COVID-19 test result on a patient who was tested at the hospital Monday, according to a statement released by the hospital Thursday.
The patient is at home in isolation, according to the statement.
The patient was not admitted to the hospital, the statement said.
Upon notification of the test results, Morris Hospital officials immediately consulted the infectious disease physician on the hospital's medical staff and also contacted the health department, according to the statement.
All of the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and from the Illinois Department of Public Health are being followed, the hospital statement said, and all of the necessary precautions were being taken.
Any potential community exposures pertaining to this patient were being investigated and managed by the LaSalle County Health Department, according to the hospital's statement.
Due to patient privacy, no additional information from the hospital or from the health department was provided on Thursday.
“While we knew this day would come, we understand that the first case in our community causes heightened concern,” Mark Steadham, the president and CEO of Morris Hospital, said in the statement.
“We continue to work diligently to maintain a safe environment for our patients, visitors, and staff and encourage everyone to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of the virus in our community,” Steadham said in the statement.
Morris Hospital officials encouraged the community to continue to follow the advice of the CDC and of the Illinois Department of Public Health:
• Those with mild illness should not go to a hospital or other care centers but instead should stay home and rest until they are feeling well.
• Testing for COVID-19 is only done for patients who meet very specific criteria.
• If symptoms progress, it is advisable to call your health care provider who will advise if you need medical treatment.
• If you have respiratory symptoms and plan to seek care at a walk-in clinic, call in advance for instruction.
• Based on the CDC guidelines, the health care provider will evaluate the symptoms by phone and provide instruction.
• If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Tell the medical workers in advance so they can prepare for your arrival.
For more information about COVID-19, call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease Hotline at 1-800-889-3931.