November 5, 2020 –
With the recent resurgence of COVID-19 positive cases in our community, officials at FHN want the community to know that we have reached a critical point in this pandemic.
Yesterday, the Stephenson County Health Department reported 50 new cases to total 1,466 cases in Stephenson County.
According to IDPH information, as of today, JoDaviess County reported 7 new cases to total 624 cases. Carroll County reported 49 new cases to total 620 cases. Winnebago County reported 331 new cases to total 12,589 cases. Ogle County reported 91 new cases to total 1,646 cases.
These numbers, coupled with a rising positivity rate, currently at 12.8 percent, has moved the region into enhanced state mitigations.
With the number of hospital admissions increasing, healthcare systems across the state are beginning to feel the strain.
“Since the numbers are rising at alarming rates and hospitals are experiencing significant increases in COVID19 admissions, the overall available bed capacity is decreasing, at same time the demands on our highly qualified staff are increasing,” said FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley.
While FHN Memorial Hospital has not yet reached capacity, officials are concerned about what will happen if this trend of positive cases continues.
Additionally, FHN officials want patients and the community to know that current visitor restrictions at the hospital and office practices are an important part of our response to the significant rise in COVID-19 cases. While visitor restrictions can be difficult for patients and families, it's crucial right now that the hospital and office locations limit interactions and preserve physical distancing and ensure that our patients and staff are not put in a position where they could be exposed.
Now more than ever, local health systems across the state are pleading with their communities to continue the preventive measures that can help stop the spread of the virus.
• Limit your contacts and follow the 3Ws (Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distancing).
• Follow local travel guidance and limit non-essential travel.
• Get your flu shot, and encourage others to do the same.
We must work together to stay healthy and stay safe.
For more information on COVID-19 statistics, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 webpage at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.
For updated Stephenson County statistics, visit the SCHD Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StephensonCountyHealthDepartment.
For more information on how FHN is working to stop the spread of COVID-19 and caring for our patients during the pandemic, visit www.fhn.org/coronavirus.