By NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the two COVID-19 patients in Chicago, Illinois (HERE and HERE), the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced this weekend the two Chicago area patients were released from home isolation late yesterday, following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

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“Our two Illinois residents with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 have recovered from their illnesses and there has been no further spread of the virus from these two cases,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “The risk to the general public remains low and we are continuing to use every tool at our disposal to keep our community safe.”

“Based on what is currently known about the virus, and after close consultation with CDC and IDPH, we believe both patients can now safely return to their regular activities, including work, without restrictions,” said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady. “They have now had multiple rounds of negative testing for the virus and are clinically well. They do not need to wear masks, and neither does anyone interacting with them. They have been cleared.”

“We understand people may be concerned because this is a new disease, but it’s difficult to spread what you don’t have. The negative test results mean there is no virus present,” said CCDPH Chief Operating Officer Dr. Terry Mason. “You can’t spread what you don’t have. We hope the media and the public will respect the couple’s privacy and be kind to them. They have been through a lot. We thank them, and everyone else involved, for their cooperation throughout the process; including the hospital, healthcare workers, public health employees and contacts who were later ruled out.”