The village of Oak Park announced March 30 that four more residents have tested positively for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the village to 30. The village also released that an officer of the Oak Park Police Department has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The newly reported cases have an age range from 30s to 70s. The village cannot release further information regarding the cases due to privacy laws. The announcement noted that privacy precludes the sharing of the location information of those tested to anyone other than public health officials and first responders.
According to the announcement, Oak Park Assistant Human Resources Director Kira Tchang has “notified employees who have had direct contact with the individual and they have been placed in quarantine status as a precaution.”
The announcement also states that, Pursuant to current Illinois Department of Public Health protocols, “any other individuals who had direct close contact with the village employee would be notified through the applicable public health authority.”
As with the previously reported cases, the village announcement stated “The Oak Park Department of Public Health is working closely with officials from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), investigating and notifying anyone who may have had exposure to the individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Local public health officials, hospitals and first responders are following protocols consistent with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
The announcement also includes an important caveat designated with asterisks, reading, “It is important to note that as patient tracking and case follow-up occurs, the number of Oak Park cases reported may change depending on residency confirmation.”
