News Release

ALBION – The Noble County Health Department announced over the weekend that four deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported at the Sacred Heart Home in Avilla, a long-term care facility in Noble County.

Dr. Terry Gaff, Noble County Health Officer, wishes to express the extreme sadness and sympathy we all have for the loss of these people in this pandemic. We know that this is especially heartbreaking for family and friends who must be kept away from loved ones in their final hours.

No further information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.

The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are the most vulnerable to severe disease or death. Everyone should make every effort to protect vulnerable people using options, such as mobile devices to continue virtual contact with loved ones through email or video-call applications.

To prevent community spread, long-term care facilities will be following the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidelines:

• Identify a separate space that is used only for confirmed or presumed COVID-19 patients;
• Limit patient contact to only essential direct care providers;
• Establish a tracking system to monitor and manage infection control activities and residents and staff member who are symptomatic

Click here for a complete list of the ISDH guidelines for long-term care facilities.