Emily Bollinger
/ WGLT
Nursing home operators say once the coronavirus is in a community, it's nearly impossible to keep it out of their facilities.
As the COVID-19 death toll rises at long-term care facilities across McLean County and the country, some observers say many nursing homes aren't equipped to handle an infectious outbreak.
In late December, the Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Normal was in the throes of a major COVID outbreak.
On Dec. 20, administrator Crystal Biddle sent a letter to all Sugar Creek families, informing them a majority of residents and some staff had tested positive for the coronavirus. The letter outlined the severity of the outbreak, and what staff are doing to care for residents. That includes frequent COVID testing, close monitoring and keeping residents hydrated.