As we continue to progress through the pandemic, Rochelle Community Hospital would like to share these updates regarding COVID-19.
Visitor Restrictions
RCH visitor restrictions have changed. Children under the age of 18 will not be allowed to visit inpatients. ONE visitor at a time in the hospital per patient will be allowed on the Medical/Surgical floor for inpatients not being treated for COVID-19. Visitors must meet screening/masking requirements and remain masked for the duration of their visit anywhere in the facility. Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, sneezing, cough, sore throat, etc. should not visit patients.
Masking
Rochelle Community Hospital will continue to follow CDC/IDPH guidance for masking in a healthcare facility, which means everyone—employees, patients and visitors–still need to wear a mask when you enter the hospital or any RCH clinic for the duration of your visit. All visitors, patients and employees will continue to be screened upon entry to the hospital until the CDC/IDPH changes their guidance.
COVID-19 Triage Line
The Triage Line offers an opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 if you meet testing criteria. Call 815-561-8829 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Calls will be answered during this time only.
COVID-19 Testing
If you call the Triage Line, you do not need a provider’s order to be tested. RCH will not be testing: patients who do not have symptoms and need a back to work/school test, patients who need travel testing or patients who need tests for participation in sports and clubs. Please refer to our website for additional local COVID-19 testing resources at: www.rochellehospital.com/community-health/coronavirus-covid-19/
Vaccinations
The Ogle County Health Department (OCHD) will be providing COVID-19 vaccinations at their Oregon and Rochelle offices on Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday every week. You will need to call 815-562-6976 to make an appointment for either location. COVID-19 vaccinations are also available at all pharmacies in Rochelle and others in the county.
OCHD is also scheduling appointments for Pfizer booster shots for those meeting these CDC requirements:
• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
The CDC has not yet provided guidance regarding Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters as they are not yet available. If you are seeking a booster shot, it does need to be the same brand as your previous COVID-19 vaccinations. You should take your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with you if you choose to receive a booster.
COVID-19 Test Results
Anyone testing at Rochelle Community Hospital will be contacted with COVID-19 test results, either negative or positive with further instructions. A printed copy of test results is available from the RCH Health Information Management Department (medical records) at 815-562-2181, ext. 2740 or stop by their office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. Stay positive and test negative!