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2 More Die In Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreak at University Rehab

A total of five people have now died due to an outbreak of COVID-19 at a Peoria nursing home.

University Rehab Center, 1500 W. Northmoor, currently reports 27 cases to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Two women in their 90s who lived at the nursing home both died from the virus within the last 24 hours.

A spokeswoman with Greystone Management Healthcare Corporation, which owns and operates the nursing home, said transparency with staff, residents, and government at all levels has been a focus.

The Peoria City/County Health Department said there's been regular contact with the nursing home.

"University Rehab has been working closely with IDPH and our local health department doing universal testing, had two IDPH visits, and weekly calls with the local health department," said health department spokesperson Diana Scott.

The company said it is maintaining infection control procedures and communicating regularly with staff about the current situation.

"Ultimately, the care and safety of our residents and employees is our number one priority. We have implemented heightened measures to address and prevent the exposure of COVID-19 to our residents and our staff," said the nursing home spokeswoman in a statement.

Other local nursing homes or long-term care facilities reporting COVID-19 outbreaks include Bickford Senior Living of Peoria, EP!C, Generations of Peoria, Grand View Alzheimers Special Care Center, Lutheran Hillside Village, and Sharon Healthcare Willows.

Generations at Riverview in East Peoria and Reflections Memory Care in Washington also report outbreaks.

Currently, there ar 426 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Tri-County area. About 65 percent are considered recovered. Twenty-one coronavirus-related deaths are reported.

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.