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State veterans home in LaSalle reports large outbreak

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Illinois

* From the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs…

November 6, 2020
To residents, families or responsible parties, and staff of the Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalle:

We are committed to communicating with you in a responsible and transparent manner about COVID-19 (coronavirus). Today we want to update you regarding our COVID-19 status. At this time we have 48 positive residents and 12 positive employees. We are following the latest medical guidance and will work with state and local health officials regarding any possible quarantines and to ensure the full care, testing and protection of anyone potentially exposed.

As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our veteran heroes and the devoted staff who care for them. Throughout this pandemic we have been following recommendations from state and local health officials to safeguard everyone at the facility. This includes continuing our health screenings of staff and residents, maintaining social distancing practices, wearing face coverings, using gloves and gowns when indicated, and intensified cleaning and disinfection protocols. We are grateful to our team for remaining highly vigilant for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and for responding swiftly, appropriately, and professionally to any potential cases.

We understand this news can be distressing, which is why we encourage you to contact your loved ones for mutual support of one another. While we conduct additional testing, we are taking the extra precaution to suspend all visitation until we have a clearer picture of our status. We appreciate your understanding and support for any precautions we may need to take. We promise to keep you informed as we do everything possible to keep our residents safe. Our military veterans and our wonderful home staff are strong and resilient people. With your continued support, we will get through this together.

Sincerely,
Angela Mehlbrech Administrator

According to the state’s website, the home has room for 184 veterans.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 11:25 am

Comments

Veteran’s Affairs has done a remarkable job.

Unfortunately it only takes one person to start an event.

This is why the governor’s executive orders have been so important.

No school, hospital or facility can be 100 percent safe, so reducing the level of viral spread in the community is critical.

Comment by Juvenal Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 11:31 am
Suddenly things like this become a bit more relevant:

https://www.newstrib.com/2020/05/13/la-salle-county-states-attorney-will-not-enforce-stay-at-home-orders-against-businesses/aakmvgh/

Some folks might start wondering if sovereign immunity is air tight when a public official does nothing or refuses to comply with laws intended to protect people from a deadly pandemic.

Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 11:39 am
That website also has a letter dated November 5th detailing the number of cases and deaths at the Manteno Veterans Home since August 21st.

Comment by Dutch Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 11:41 am
20-30% of the visitors to Starved Rock in LaSalle Co. over Columbus Day were not masked and not distancing, so the outcome 3 weeks later should not be unexpected. Pray that our heroes and the people taking care of them each have a full recovery.

Comment by Ares Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 12:28 pm
Candy, I’m not confident the LaSalle Police or Mayor would enforce any restrictions either:

https://cbsloc.al/3ewDOJT

Comment by Earnest Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 3:37 pm