Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reporting Confirmed Coronavirus Cases

JOLIET — Officials from Sunny Hill Nursing Home reported Friday that one resident and two employees have tested positive for new coronavirus infection. Staff with the Will County-owned facility said in a news release that they are currently taking precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.

“At the first onset of the coronavirus crisis, we closed our facility to outside visitors and began implementing even more aggressive infection control procedures to protect our residents,” said Maggie McDowell, Sunny Hill Nursing Home administrator, in the news release. “Even with these precautions, we have determined one of our residents and two employees, have tested positive for COVID-19.”

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McDowell said in the release that the nursing home is undergoing a deep cleaning, under the supervision/oversight of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Will County Communications Director Anastasia Tuskey said the resident who tested positive for coronavirus is in a local hospital and the two employees are at home in self-isolation.

“We are doing everything within the rules and guidelines and will continue to do all that we can to ensure the safety of our residents and staff at Sunny Hill,” McDowell said.

Tuskey said staff at the facility are conducting daily monitoring of residents and fellow staff for symptoms, and the county is requiring the use of face masks at all times in the nursing facility.

“Everyone is being affected by this crisis,” Nick Palmer, chief of staff for Will County Executive Larry Walsh, said in the release. “We are using every precaution and resource available at this time. Many of our staff are working remotely and limiting contact with the pubic. Sunny Hill is a hands-on care facility and we are taking extra efforts to ensure this care is delivered safely.”

County residents are encouraged to visit the coronavirus updates page on the county website for additional information.