Coronavirus Cases, Deaths Confirmed At Waukegan Nursing Home

WAUKEGAN, IL— The Illinois Department of Public Health released information over the weekend regarding the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in nursing homes across the state, and among the confirmed cases were those at facilities in Lake County, including one in Waukegan. As of Sunday, 33 deaths and 150 cases have been reported at nursing homes across the county. Wauconda Care is among the nursing homes hit the hardest in the state with 33 confirmed cases and six deaths.

According to the Illinois State Department of Public Health, there are six confirmed cases of the coronavirus and two deaths at Elevate Care Waukegan, located at 2222 14th Street in Waukegan.

On Sunday, more than 22 percent of those who've died of the coronavirus statewide were residents of nursing homes, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. State health officials say 100 Illinois nursing homes have reported at least one case of the virus.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 23: 35,108 Cases; 1,565 Deaths; Don't miss updates about precautions in the Grayslake area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

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Patch reached out Elevate Care Waukegan, and asked them to confirm or deny the accuracy of the number of confirmed cases and deaths reported by the IDPH, in addition to providing Patch with specific numbers.

>> Dozens Of Coronavirus Cases, Deaths At Lake County Nursing Homes

As of Thursday morning, Elevate Care Waukegan did not verify or deny the accuracy of the specific number of confirmed cases and deaths reported by the IDPH, nor have they provided Patch with their own numbers.

In a statement to Patch, Elevate Care Waukegan confirmed that there are "several" patients residing at Elevate Care Waukegan who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

"In addition, are deeply saddened to confirm that there has been loss of life associated with this unforgiving virus," Elevate Care Waukegan told Patch, and added that "The nursing home has followed CDC procedures and has been in contact with our local health department."

Related:

• Over 50% Of Lake County Coronavirus Deaths Nursing Home Residents
• Coronavirus In IL: Nursing Homes Struggle To Control Infections
• Illinois Data Shows Toll Of Coronavirus On Cook County Nursing Homes

Staff also told Patch that since the emergence of the coronavirus, they've greatly increased preventative measures to protect their residents from communicable diseases.

"We have discontinued family visits and eliminated all non-essential people from entering the building," Elevate Care Waukegan told Patch. "Those allowed to enter are being screened. We have also discontinued communal dining and activity programs. Finally, we are reinforcing already stringent standards of hand hygiene. Fortunately, we have plenty of personal protective equipment (PPE) on-hand and enough for the foreseeable future.

We will continue to follow the guidelines provided to us by public health officials and government leaders, communicate updates with residents and families, and take all precautions necessary for our residents, staff and the community at large."

Patch also reached out to several of the facilities listed in this story, and will update readers as new information becomes available.