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03-17-2020 Unified Leadership COVID-19 Press Release

March 17, 2020

Lee County Unified Executive Leadership Team COVID-19 Update:  March 17, 2020

As of today, there are 160 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois.  Researchers and doctors are saying that it is likely that 10 times this amount of people have the virus and just have not been tested.  This afternoon, the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first death from COVID-19; a female from Chicago in her 60s with underlying health conditions.  Additionally, DuPage County confirmed 22 positive tests for COVID-19 at a nursing home in their jurisdiction. 

While there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19  in Lee County, in the last 28 hours the KSB Hospital drive thru COVID-19 testing site has tested 54 people for COVID-19 who meet rigid clinical criteria for testing.  It will take up to four days to get the results.  As of yesterday afternoon, there are 4 people quarantined and 8 people in isolation in Lee County.  That number will be higher by the end of the day today. COVID-19 is here and the truth is no one has an idea how many cases there really are. 

The Unified Executive Leadership Team would like to thank local restaurants and bars for following Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order.  Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street have been in close contact with these businesses.  Restaurants continue to provide drive-up, delivery and carry-out services.  Although customer pick-up is allowed in the executive order, there are strict guidelines to follow if choosing this option.  The Lee County Health Department does not recommend this option.

KSB Hospital Temporary Restrictions:

In an effort to minimize the potential spread of any disease and to protect the health of patients, employees, and visitors, KSB Hospital has enacted temporary restrictions on who may enter the facility.  All visitors must enter the Hospital through the front entrance off of the parking deck (#4), or through the Emergency Department door on the west end of the building.   They will be greeted by a staff person doing a brief health screening including a temperature check.   Patients entering Commerce Towers should use the main entrance under the drive thru canopy.

Lee County Government Facilities:

Beginning Wednesday morning, March 17, 2020, the Lee County Sheriff will close the Old Lee County Courthouse to non-employees.  Employees will continue working in this building.  Residents are asked to conduct business by phone, electronically, or by mail. 

City of Dixon:

The Dixon Public Library remains closed.

Lee County Health Department / New Lee County Courthouse:

All people entering the New Lee County Court House will be subject to screening prior to entry.

What to do if you think you have COVID-19:
If you think you have COVID-19, do not go to the hospital.  Residents should:
  • Call their doctor,
  • Use the “KSB Care Anywhere” app by going to the KSB web site www.ksbhospital.com and clicking on “virtual care”.  The app offers a free 5 question screening for the virus,  and then additional assessment questions if it appears that the individual is “at risk”.   While a credit card is required to for the more involved assessment section,  no charges will be applied if a Covid19 testing referral is made.
  • Contact the KSB Hospital COVID-19 hotline at 815/285-7777. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Residents can go to the following websites for additional information:
Go to KSB, IDPH, or CDC websites.  Lee County Health Department provides regular updates on its Facebook page.

For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or 211.

Authority:
Lee County Health Department
KSB Hospital
City of Dixon
Lee County Emergency Management
Lee County Sheriff
Last modified on May 05, 2020 - 1:36 pm