Oak Crest Retirement Center in DeKalb reports 7 COVID-19 cases, administrator says in letter

DeKALB – While the DeKalb County Health Department is reporting four cases of the novel coronavirus at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center, a letter sent from the long-term care facility's Executive Director Stephen Cichy to residents on Sunday indicated seven positive tests.

Five of those residents are positive, the letter said, and two additional residents tested positive initially but retested negative. All residents have been instructed to quarantine, along with employees.

"As an organization we are committed to the safety and well being of the individuals who live and work within our community," Cichy said in the letter. "Oak Crest staff is in contact with the CDC and local and state public health departments and have complied with their recommendations."

Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion in Sandwich also reported three new cases on Tuesday, bringing its total to 63 – 24 in staff and 39 in residents along with 13 deaths.

Long-term care facility deaths account for the majority of COVID-19 related deaths in DeKalb County to date, with 25 out of 36 total local deaths connected to Willow Crest and Pine Acres Rehab and Living Center, which reported 12 deaths.

The letter goes on to ask Oak Crest residents to practice safe social distancing, require a mask in all public spaces and avoid trips out of the building.

It's the sixth retirement or long-term care facility in DeKalb County to report COVID-19 cases. Along with Oak Crest, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, Pine Acres Rehab and Living Center in DeKalb reported 81 cases and 12 deaths. DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center reported three cases June 3 but was placed back in outbreak mode this month with three new cases. Bethany Rehabilitation and Health Care Center reported two cases in employees June 8 but none since.One known case linked to Barb City Manorindependent living center was reported Aug. 7.