The World Health Organization has repeatedly stopped short of calling the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic – until yesterday, March 11, 2020. The official declaration of a pandemic means the disease has reached a tipping point where it spreads on a far wider geographic scale – sweeping through populations faster. Also, this week the state of Illinois has declared a state of emergency regarding the virus.
In response, leadership at the Oak Park Arms now prohibits all visitors to the community. Health care workers and caregivers are still able to provide services for residents at the community.
We are responding to the new declarations as we recognize our residents are the most vulnerable to the virus. We want to reassure residents and family members that our preemptive position is what we think is the wisest course of action.
Besides prohibiting visitors within our community, we are increasing the sanitization of our kitchen, restaurant, and common areas. Housekeeping is extra vigilant, and our staff has been retrained on sanitization procedures. Additional hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the community.
We are in frequent communication with residents, and alert signs are posted throughout the community. In addition, we are in constant contact with medical professionals and Local and State Health Departments for the latest information on this health concern.
We know that communicating with residents is very important and we encourage you to phone, email, text, and/or video chat such as FaceTime or Skype. If you believe a visit is absolutely necessary, please contact a member of the home care team prior to your arrival – (708) 386-4040.
As always, the health and safety of our residents is our most important priority.