Joint Statement on Murray Developmental Center COVID-19 Cases

The following statement can be attributed to State Senator Jason Plummer, State Representative Charles E. Meier, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Clinton County Health Department:

The health, safety, and well-being of the residents and employees at Murray Developmental Center are of the utmost importance.
 
The 56 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the last 19 days, which include 24 residents and 32 Murray Developmental Center staff, are deeply concerning and news we take very seriously. We are taking every precaution for the individuals receiving care and for the staff working at the Murray Developmental Center who have tested positive for COVID-19 - for their families and for their fellow residents and colleagues. 
 
Together, we are urging everyone in Clinton County to work collaboratively in the public interest to limit further spread of COVID-19. We know that Murray Developmental Center is in Illinois' COVID Region 4, which currently has a 7-day rolling average positivity rate of 16.1%. Currently, the COVID-19 positivity rate in all of Clinton County is 19.5%, exceeding the State target for containing the virus.
 
To protect the residents and staff of Murray Developmental Center - as well as their families and others in our community - we remind everyone, outside of your home and household: please wear a face covering, wash your hands, and practice social distancing measures. 
 
These actions can save lives and prevent short- and long-term health problems.