Universal Testing Keeps COVID-19 In Check At Oswego Nursing Home

OSWEGO, IL — As coronavirus cases across the state are increasing once again, an Oswego long-term care facility has reported only nine deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Symphony at the Tillers of Oswego reports 50 cases and nine deaths among its patients and staff as of July 24.

"The situation at the facility is the reflection of Symphony’s COVID-19 task force’s work, which implemented advanced infection control protocols and a robust testing regimen for all Symphony facilities," said Natalie Bauer Luce, spokesperson for the Symphony.

Even though it has the highest number of cases and deaths among the three nursing homes in Kendall County, it still accounts for only 3.8 percent of the reported cases in the county, which as of Thursday is 1,309, according to health officials.

Luce said Symphony was an early advocate for universal testing of all patients and staff and that is a key reason "why we’re seeing results like those at this facility." Symphony’s universal testing strategy enables staff to proactively identify and isolate COVID-19 positive individuals, which mitigates the spread of the virus further.

The facility has also established COVID-19 isolation units for patients who test positive or exhibit symptoms. The units have been staffed by dedicated care teams who are outfitted with and extensively trained on how to wear personal protective equipment and maintain strict entry and exit protocols to the area, she said.

"Throughout its network, all employees and patients continue to be screened and their temperatures are checked multiple times a day, while high-touch areas are disinfected 12 times a day," Luce said. "Together, the testing plan and infection prevention measures are what have contributed to stopping the spread of coronavirus and reducing the risk of transmission."

The last death was reported on May 18 and the age range of the deceased is between 68-96.

The COVID-19 Task Force at Symphony is led by Dr. Alexander Stemer, a board certified infectious disease expert, in partnership with Dr. Stacie Levine, chief of the section of geriatrics and palliative care at University of Chicago Medicine. Together, they lead a team of clinicians in implementing the most effective known treatments and procedures to save the lives of Symphony patients and employees.

"The Symphony COVID-19 task force is continuing to identify the most advanced, effective infection prevention protocols, along with continuing our routine testing of employees and patients," Luce said. "While we take great pride in knowing we have a successful plan in place, we know we must continue to be vigilant. The COVID-19 task force is continually analyzing the latest public health guidance and reviewing the real-time research in the field to ensure Symphony is at the leading edge of stopping the spread of COVID-19."

For more news and information like this, subscribe to the Oswego Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. Don't forget to like us on Facebook!