The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 66 cases of COVID-19 and four deaths due to the virus at The Fountains at Crystal Lake.

The Fountains says there have been 19 patients and 10 staff who have tested positive.

Cases included by the IDPH include lab confirmed cases and cases meeting the Centers for Disease Control outbreak case definition. This means that cases the IDPH long-term care facility reports include both staff and residents who test positive for COVID-19 and those who are not tested but meet the CDC's outbreak case definition for the virus.

Jill Hofer, director of communication for Watermark Retirement Communities, which manages The Fountains at Crystal Lake, said the health and safety of the residents and its associates are their highest priority.

"As we have reported to the McHenry County Department of Public Health, since the pandemic began, 19 of our residents have been confirmed positive," Hofer said. "Three of them have fully recovered and are back here residing at our community. Twelve of the 19 are being cared for at various healthcare facilities. We are deeply saddened that four of the 19 have passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go to their families, friends and neighbors as we mourn their loss and celebrate their lives."

In addition, 10 associates have also tested positive, Hofer said in the email. According to the email, three have fully recovered and are cleared to come back to work, and seven are sheltering in place at home and receiving pay while they recuperate.

"Currently there are no active cases of COVID-19 at our community," Hofer said.

She added that they will work with public health authorities on Monday, April 27, to bring the information reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health in line with the cases they have had reported to them.

"Our response is led by the National Watermark COVID-19 Task Force, which was created in February to provide clear guidance and steady support through the pandemic," Hofer said. "The Fountains at Crystal Lake is following all CDC guidelines, Department of Public Health directives and the protocols of the comprehensive plan developed by the Task Force."

This includes restricting entrance to essential visitors only, extensive cleaning and disinfection on an ongoing basis, providing room service meal deliveries and creating individual programming to support resident well-being while observing safe social distancing measures, according to the email.