Two Lovell FHCC staff members tested positive over the weekend for COVID-19. The first, a civilian staff member working at the FHCC’s North Chicago, IL hospital, tested positive March 22. The second, an active duty member of the Navy who works at a FHCC clinic at the Navy’s Recruit Training Command, tested positive March 21.

In accordance with CDC guidelines and the staff members’ clinical status, the staff members are currently in home isolation, mitigating further risk of transmission to other patients and staff.

Lovell FHCC is screening patients and staff who present with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection. Per CDC guidance, VA and Defense protocols, patients known to be at risk for a COVID-19 infection are immediately isolated to prevent potential spread to others.

Patients and staff are encouraged to take everyday preventive actions to avoid being exposed to the virus:

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call your 
  health care provider before going to the facility.

More information for Veterans is here: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/72615/vas-recommendations-help-slow-covid-19-virus/ 

More information for TRICARE beneficiaries is here:  https://tricare.mil/coronavirus/  
For more information about the Coronavirus, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html