Coronavirus update: Glencoe public works employee exposed to confirmed case of COVID-19, village officials say
GLENCOE, Ill. (WLS) -- The Village of Glencoe said Wednesday one of their Public Works employees had contact with a person who was subsequently confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus.
In a press release, the village said the employee is not showing any symptoms of the virus, and is under voluntary self-quarantine at home where they are monitoring for any symptoms. They are also in contact with their doctor about the exposure.
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The village also said that while the employee did report to work after being exposed to the individual, they "had minimal contact with the general public during this time."
"We understand that this news may raise questions and concerns. It's important to emphasize that this employee is not showing symptoms and has not tested positive for COVID-19," said Village Manager Philip Kiraly.
The employee was informed on Tuesday evening that the person they had contact with was diagnosed and the employee contacted the Village of Glencoe yesterday morning to let them know.
Village officials said the employee was in Europe last week and got back to work on Monday.
Village officials said the employee is seven days into the 14-day incubation period after being exposed last Thursday.
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Village officials have consulted NorthShore University Health System, the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health. They are continuing to clean and disinfect public spaces in village facilities and work areas, and encouraging employees to follow the best practices laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent infection with and spread of the novel coronavirus.
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Meanwhile, two people with ties to May Whitney Elementary School and Lake Zurich Middle School North have voluntarily quarantined themselves at home since they each live with a Northwest Community Hospital employee who came into contact with the patient who recently tested positive for coronavirus.
District 95 says, "these individuals are not considered Coronavirus cases, and they have no restrictions in terms of work, school, or other activities. However, these members of our District 95 community willingly joined their hospital-employed family members in a self-quarantine."
Illinois has confirmed five cases of COVID-19. The first two, a husband and wife, were treated at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates and have made a full recovery, health officials said. The other two, another husband and wife in their 70s, were confirmed Monday. They are both in isolation in their home. They are both described as being in good condition.
