ROCHELLE — As we continue to progress through the pandemic, Rochelle Community Hospital would like to share these updates regarding COVID-19.

Visitor restrictions

RCH visitor restrictions have changed from one designated visitor to one visitor at a time. This does not have to be the same person but only one visitor is allowed in the hospital per patient at a time.

Masking

RCH will continue to follow CDC/IDPH guidance for masking in a healthcare facility, which means everyone — employees, patients and visitors — still need to wear a mask when you enter the hospital or any RCH clinic for the duration of your visit.

All visitors, patients and employees will continue to be screened upon entry to the hospital until the CDC/IDPH changes their guidance. 

Department changes

Mid-June capacity limits at RCH changed in a couple departments. There are no longer capacity limits in the cafeteria. Anyone in the cafeteria who is vaccinated can be unmasked when they are dining or conversing while dining. Persons who are not vaccinated will need to remain masked when not dining.

The Fitness Center no longer has capacity limits. Appointments will no longer be necessary for members. Members should adhere to the hospital masking policy. Hours will remain the same for the public: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Gift Shoppe is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed weekends. Both the Gift Shoppe and Cafeteria are part of the Rochelle Municipal Utilities Shop Local program.

COVID-19 Triage Line

The Triage Line offers an opportunity to seek answers to questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, testing and vaccination by calling 815-561-8829. Hours will continue to be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Callers may leave a message and your call will be returned. There is also a Spanish option.

Vaccinations

Effective this week, COVID-19 vaccinations are being offered to patients age 12+ at the Family Healthcare Clinic at the time of their scheduled appointment. Second doses will be offered in the clinic on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Starting mid-July, the Ogle County Health Department will be providing COVID-19 vaccinations at their Oregon and Rochelle offices on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday every week. You will need to call 815-562-6976 to make an appointment for either location.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all pharmacies in Rochelle.

Are you FULLY vaccinated?

You will have the best protection against COVID-19 or any of the variants by getting both doses of your Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and are not considered fully-vaccinated until you do have both doses.

If you need a second dose, go back to where you had the first dose or go to any local pharmacy to receive it and take your vaccination card.  Please continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others if you are not fully vaccinated.

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated are two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are not fully-vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

If you have any questions related to certain health conditions or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, speak with your healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccination.

We appreciate your cooperation and diligence in following COVID-19 guidelines.