82 cases of COVID-19 reported at Choate Developmental Center

In a press release filed on Wednesday, the Choate Developmental Center in Anna reported 82 new cases of COVID-19 over the past 10 days amongst their employees and residents.

Choate was joined by Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, the Illinois Department of Human Services, AFSCME Council 31 and the Illinois Nurses Association in a joint statement underlining their deep concerns over the outbreak.

“The 82 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the last ten days, among 45 Choate Developmental Center residents and 37 staff are deeply concerning. Choate Developmental Center is working closely with Southern Seven Health Department to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of their staff, residents, and those in the community. We are united in concern for every individual residing or working at the Choate Developmental Center who has tested positive for COVID-19 – for their families and for their fellow residents and colleagues.”

“Together, we are urging everyone in Union County to work together in the public interest to limit further spread of COVID-19. We know that Union County resides in Illinois’ COVID Region 5, which currently has a 7-day rolling average positivity rate of 5.8%. Currently, the COVID-19 positivity rate in Union County, alone, is 6.2% (compared to 3.4%, statewide) and new cases per 100,000 stands at 113, both exceeding state targets for containing the virus.”

The statement continued with a plea to the public to observe the standards and regulations during the pandemic.

“To protect the residents and staff of Choate 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.  This is as important in our personal lives as it is in our professional ones.”

“We will continue to collaborate to encourage area residents to follow the recommendations set forth by IDPH and the CDC. These small actions can save lives and prevent short- and long-term health problems.”