Two COVID Deaths; Exposure at Friendship Manor

Two more COVID-related deaths in Washington County underscored the most dangerous period of the pandemic for area residents.

Health officials announced the deaths of two county residents, a male in his 70s and another man in his 80s to bring the total number of deaths in Washington County to four.

In addition to the deaths announced in the last week, Friendship Manor Health Care Center in Nashville reported that multiple residents of the facility had tested positive for the coronavirus last week.

Though it is unclear how the virus entered the facility, administrators say they are working to contain the spread of the virus through careful adherence to public health directives.

“As significant community spread of COVID-19 continues, the risk to residents and staff at Illinois’ long-term care facilities increases,” said Friendship Manor Administrator Heather Stich. “Friendship Manor is working closely with experts at state and local health departments to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 within our facility.”

Read the full story in this week’s issue.