MT. VERNON, IL — City of Mt. Vernon officials were informed Wednesday that the Drury Inn & Suites along with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency have entered into an agreement to house individuals affected by COVID-19.

Mayor John Lewis says this would only take place as a “worst case scenario” but nonetheless, the city was not aware of a separate agreement between the hotel and IEMA.

In the April 7th letter to the local EMA Coordinators, it is stated that FEMA will reimburse costs to IEMA associated with the sheltering of 3 types of individuals; those exposed to COVID-19, but not requiring hospitalization; Individuals who are COVID-19 positive needing isolation, but not hospitalization (including those exiting from hospitals); and Asymptomatic high-risk individuals needing social distancing as a precautionary measure (i.e., people over 65 or with underlying health conditions).

Mayor Lewis says there are not currently any patients quarantined inside Drury Inn.

The determination to shelter specific populations must be done in accordance with guidance or direction of state or local public health officials.