Village of Glencoe Employee Self-Monitoring and Under Voluntary Quarantine at Home after Being Exposed to Confirmed Case of COVID-19

The Village of Glencoe has learned today that a Public Works Department employee was exposed to a different individual, who was subsequently confirmed to be infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee is not showing any signs of the virus and is self-monitoring and under voluntary quarantine at home. The employee is also in contact with their healthcare professional.

The employee was at work earlier this week after the initial exposure, but had minimal contact with the general public during this time. The Village has consulted with NorthShore University Health System, the Cook County Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health and is taking the appropriate safety measures, including continuing to clean and disinfect public spaces in Village facilities and employee work areas, as well as encouraging employees and residents to follow best practices recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. At this time, no impacts to Village services are expected.

Village Manager Philip Kiraly said, “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. We are following guidance from our local, state and federal health officials and will continue to monitor the employee’s condition at this time.”

The CDC states that there is low risk to those in the same indoor environment (e.g., a classroom, a hospital waiting room) as a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. This employee has not been diagnosed with the virus. The CDC advises that asymptomatic people with low-risk exposures should self-observe until 14 days after their last potential exposure. The employee is currently seven days into the 14-day incubation period.

Individuals who have questions or concerns about their health should contact their primary care doctor or a healthcare professional for guidance.

Village Manager Philip Kiraly noted that, “The Village is committed to being transparent with our staff and residents and arming them with knowledge to calmly take preventive action steps that can help keep them healthy. The safety of our employees and the public is our top priority.”

The Village will remain in contact with the employee and will coordinate with health officials on appropriate safety measures and communicate with employees and the public.