The Latest on the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Northwest Illinois

The current COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak is a continuously developing story. FHN continues to participate in webinars and conference calls with local, state, regional, and national experts to be advised of the current status and next steps with respect to confirmed cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in the United States.

 

FHN Mask Guidance

According to the Illinois Governor's amended order on October 15, 2022, facemasks are no longer required in healthcare facilities unless the facility is located in a high community transmission area. The community rating can change weekly, so please continue to check our website or social media for information regarding mask requirements. Signage will also be posted at FHN facilities.

Symptomatic patients and/or visitors, experiencing 2 or more of the symptoms listed below, must wear a mask no matter the community rating.

• Fever over 100.4° F or feeling feverish/chilled
• Headache
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle aches
• Recent loss of taste and/or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

 

COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Information

FHN is now offering adult COVID-19 Bivalent booster vaccinations which contain both original and Omicron subvariants coverage. Individuals must have completed the initial two doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines – or one dose of Johnson & Johnson – at least two months prior to receiving the Bivalent booster. FHN is recommending a two-week waiting period between the annual flu vaccine and the Bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Initial Moderna vaccinations and Bivalent booster vaccinations will be given at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, FHN Family Healthcare Center – Lanark, and FHN Family Healthcare Center – Forreston.

Please call FHN Central Scheduling at 815-599-7060 to schedule an appointment for adult initial COVID-19 vaccinations or Bivalent booster vaccinations.

PFIZER pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations are given at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills Pediatric Office. Please call the office at 815-599-7755 to schedule an appointment.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

 

Symptoms

The following symptoms, which are not the same as those for the common cold, may appear 2-14 days after you've been exposed to COVID-19:

• Fever over 100.4° F or feeling feverish/chilled
• Headache
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle aches
• Recent loss of taste and/or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild non-specific symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.

If the symptoms worsen or persist, call your healthcare provider.

Symptoms that call for immediate medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Who to Call

If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms and have an FHN primary care provider, please call your primary care provider's office. If you do not have a primary care provider, and you would like to establish with one, please call 815-599-7060.

If you have any questions related to COVID-19, please call the Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931.

While there is currently no treatment for COVID-19, people who are mildly ill can be safe at home. While at home, they should stay in a specific room as much as possible if living with others and away from other people who may visit.

 

Protect Yourself and Others:

Avoid Spreading Germs

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from other people, even if they aren't displaying symptoms.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
• 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 visibly dirty, use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions as of October 24, 2022

Visitors at FHN Memorial Hospital:

• Current visiting hours are between 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily
• Facemasks must be worn in accordance to hospital guidance - signage will be posted.
• All visitors must be age 18 or older and check in each day at the Admitting desk, where they will receive a screening including temperature check and a dated visitor's badge.
• Inpatients at FHN Memorial Hospital will be allowed two visitors at a time during visiting hours. Visitors may not stay in the waiting room.
• Outpatients at FHN Memorial Hospital will be allowed two visitors at a time (based on time of procedure).
• Labor and Delivery Care: Two support individuals per day will be allowed at a time. Patient siblings or anyone under 18 will not be allowed. If father of the newborn is aged less than 18, he is permitted as a visitor. The mother may also have one other visitor present during her stay.

Clinic Appointments at FHN Family Healthcare Centers or Specialty Care Centers: Two adults are allowed to accompany patients to office visits.
No visitors who are currently experiencing or recently experienced COVID-19 or respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, are permitted.

Visitors throughout all FHN locations must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
  
• Wear a mask (according to current hospital guidance) and maintain social distancing
• Wash hands when entering and leaving rooms
• Leave directly after visiting the patient room

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe during this time.

Flyers for Public Posting

Please feel free to download the attached flyers for businesses and organizations to print and post:

How NOT to Wear a Mask

 

COVID-19 Information Videos

 

Resources

Please review the following resources to find out more about the virus and what can be done to help prevent its spread:

Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe: Get the Mask Facts

Listen to FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN talk about COVID-19 Vaccine Myths - November 2.

CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine for Pregnant Women

Why the Vaccinated Are Still at Risk From Coronavirus - July 21.

5 Reasons to Wear a Mask Even After You're Vaccinated - January 20.

SCHD reports on COVID-19 Vaccine Arrival in Region 1 - December 16.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO give a COVID-19 update - November 16.

Listen to FHN's Dr. Farhan Khan discuss COVID-19 symptoms and prevention - November 3.

Listen to FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN talk about remaining vigilant in COVID-19 prevention practices - October 27.

Illinois Department of Public Health's Small Social Gatherings Safety Tips

How coronavirus symptoms differ from the flu, allergies, and common cold, in one chart

Tips to Protect Children During a COVID-19 Outbreak

Find specific information about COVID-19 testing and related treament costs.

How to wear a cloth mask safely

How to wear a medical mask safely

Get the basics of a good medicine cabinet updated to include supplies recommended during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Listen to Dr. Keith Martin, FHN's Chief Medical Officer, review FHN Memorial Hospital's COVID-19 Preparations - April 28.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, talk about the Coronavirus - April 21.

FHN's Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN, talks about COVID-19.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, talk about the Coronavirus - April 7.

Listen to Kathryn Martinez, FHN Chief Operating Officer, talk about FHN's preparations for outbreak - March 31.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, talk about the Coronavirus - March 17.

Listen to Gabriel Gonzalez, Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health at FHN, talk about mental health during this outbreak.

If your loved one is over 60, read this.

The best way to avoid spreading (or catching) any illness is to:

Practice good handwashing, Practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette, and Stay home if you are sick.

Good advice about the importance of cleaning your phone.

How Safe Is It To Eat Takeout? - Find out and get tips to keep safe.

Support Your Local Restaurants - Get a list of area restaurants providing takeout and delivery service.

Essential Business FAQ

COVID-19 Coronavirus Descargas de documentos en espanol

IHA's Wear a Mask Video

IHA's Usar una Mascara Video

IDPH's COVID-19 Face Covering Dos & Don'ts

The FHN Family Counseling Center is a proud partner of the Illinois Call4Calm Text Line Service. Text "TALK" TO 552020 (or "HABLAR" for Spanish). The Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support for anyone experiencing stress and in need of a listening ear. We are here to serve you.

New and Updated COVID-19 Resources for Parents