8 Deaths Reported At Sheltered Village In Woodstock

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL —There have been eight deaths at Sheltered Village, a home for developmentally disabled adults in Woodstock, including a staff member who died on Wednesday, the Northwest Herald is reporting. The facility's business manager, Lauren Schlendorf, told the Northwest Herald that as of Monday, 19 residents and 14 staff members have contracted the new coronavirus.

Schlendorf told the newspaper Sheltered Village is taking measures to try and prevent the spread of the virus, which includes keeping those who are sick with others that are sick and using protective gear.

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The facility first went on lockdown on March 17, only allowing essential employees into the building after that employee had been determined to be symptom- and fever-free, and the first positive case was reported on April 1, according to a statement posted on Sheltered Village's Facebook page.

The residential home has 89 residents.

Sheltered Village has been working closely with the McHenry County Department of Health to attempt to limit further spread of the virus and staff members are continuing to be assessed for symptoms twice each day. The building is in continuous process of being disinfected, according to the statement.

“We want to share with the public how easily this virus can impact your environment, regardless of safety precautions in place,” Schelndorf said last week. “The safety of our residents and staff is the primary concern and focus of Sheltered Village.”

The staff at the facility is also working to keep in contact with the families and guardians of the residents at Sheltered Village.


Staff at the facility also expressed gratitude to those who donated N-95 and homemade masks as well as food for staff members. In addition, a donation from Northwestern Medicine ensured the facility will get much-needed gowns.


The facility is in need if addition staffing and any registered nurses or certified nursing assistants are urged to call Schlendorf at 815-338-6440 ext. 111.

This article originally appeared on the Algonquin-Lake In The Hills Patch