JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL — An outbreak at a local long-term care facility in Jefferson County has resulted in the COVID-19 housing plan at the Drury Inn in Mt. Vernon to be activated.

According to Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis, the motel will be providing housing for employees of Green Tree Residential Living Center, which has suffered an outbreak of the disease.

Public health officials on Sunday reported 17 positive COVID-19 tests at the facility.

Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Brigadier General Alicia Tate-Nadeau called Lewis on Sunday and said a request had been submitted for activation.

Lewis says the request is to allow employees from Green Tree to stay at the Drury Inn if they choose, so as not to place their families and loved ones at risk. The employees that have asked to have the facility activated have tested negative for the virus.

Lewis says the request for activation is working just as promised, noting the request originated from Jefferson County for local people and not people from outside the area.

Lewis asks everyone in the community to do their part by following the CDC recommendations of social distancing, washing your hands, sanitizing and stay at home unless necessary to leave.