By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – Rockford Christian Schools’ residence hall will be available for City of Rockford workers if they become infected with the coronavirus.

“The City of Rockford needed a place where city workers if needed, could safely recover.” RCS Superintendent Paul Brandt said in a statement. “This collaboration gives them an option other than at home. We are thankful RCS is able to support our community in this way.”

People with mild cases of COVID-19 are instructed to isolate at home, away from other family members as much as they can. When that’s not possible, like when an infected person lives with someone who is at risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus, isolation may need to happen elsewhere. The agreement with RCS gives the city access to 200 beds for this option if there becomes a need.

Winnebago County hasn’t seen a surge in COVID-19 cases so far. Only 119 people have tested positive since Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared the outbreak a statewide emergency last month. With 689 tests pending in the county, officials expect to see more cases as results start coming in. So far, 1,703 people have been tested. Negative tests currently number 895. Winnebago County has seen eight COVID-related deaths.

Coronavirus disease–COVID-19–is considered mild in 80% of cases. About 15-16% of those who test positive for the virus require medical attention including hospitalization. Around 4-5% of infections are considered critical. The mortality rate has run somewhere between 2 and 4%.

Those at risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are the elderly, those with preexisting health problems like hypertension, lung diseases, diabetes and cancer. People with compromised immune systems are also considered high risk.

Construction on the Rockford Christian residence hall was completed last fall. The facility was built to house international students.

The 30-acre Rockford Christian campus is at 1401 N. Bell School Road.

Featured image: Rockford Christian Schools