ROCHELLE — Due to increased demand, Rochelle Community Hospital has announced that effective Monday, Oct. 26, COVID-19 Triage Line hours will be increased to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week, Monday through Friday. 

Non-emergent COVID-19 questions will be addressed by calling 815-561-8829 and an RCH nurse will be available for assistance. Callers will have the ability to leave a message and the call will be returned during the triage line hours of operation.

Patients who meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing through the COVID-19 Triage Line are scheduled with an appointment time. Testing volumes are increasing and RCH wants to emphasize that patients need to go through the triage line to schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment by calling 815-561-8829 instead of coming straight to the hospital. 

To alleviate any confusion RCH wants to emphasize that patients should drive up to Entrance E (shown on the map). This is the Emergency Room entrance on Third Street. Follow the instructions provided and Lab personnel will meet scheduled patients. 

Due to the onset of colder weather, COVID-19 testing will be moving indoors in a safe environment at Entrance E.

The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) tent has returned and was recently erected on the South side of the hospital. With the increased positivity rate in the region which Rochelle is located, the tent was brought back while the resources are still available and to provide an alternate testing site in the event that RCH needs to expand services.

As the virus continues to spread, please follow the 3 W’s of COVID: Wear a mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance.