To Rochelle Community Hospital Patients and Residents of Ogle County,

All of us at Rochelle Community Hospital are working alongside the Ogle County Health Department and the City of Rochelle to monitor rapidly changing conditions about the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our patients, staff and residents of the communities we serve. Like every organization today, we are seeking federal, state and regional guidance in determining the appropriate adjustments to make as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

It is important to note that there are no confirmed cases in Ogle County as of March 11, 2020.

We continue to stress that residents limit the possible spread of the disease with these precautions:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your sneeze and cough.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Social distancing – maintain a distance of three feet from other people; avoid shaking hands and hugging.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid travel if your destination is in an area with widespread outbreak.

Stay current on accurate information from reputable sources, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ogle County Health Department. All these sources are sharing updates and information on their websites and social media pages. Go to www.cdc.gov for the most current information about the virus including precautions and frequently asked questions.

If you are sick, we certainly want you to seek medical attention.  We ask that you call ahead to the emergency department, provider office or Convenient Care if you are in one of the three high risk categories:

1. Have a fever and signs of a respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath) and have travelled to a country or region that has an increased incidence of community spread COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset.
2. Have a fever and signs of a respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath) and have had close contact with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset.
3. Have a fever with severe acute lower respiratory illness (pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) requiring hospitalization and without an alternative explanatory diagnosis (i.e. Influenza) AND no source of exposure has been identified.

Rochelle Community Hospital, in conjunction with the CDC, the Ogle County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health, does not recommend wearing a mask if you are not sick. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, call 911.

Since there is no specific treatment for this virus, we need the public’s help. We can’t do it alone.

We want to thank you for your continued support.

Wishing you all good health,

Gregg Olson, CEO, Rochelle Community Hospital

Kyle Auman, Public Health Administrator, Ogle County Health Department

John Bearrows, Mayor, City of Rochelle