CENTRALIA, IL — In a letter dated Wednesday, Warren G. Murray Developmental Center Director Lori Demijan informed staff of 16 residents who had tested positive for COVID-19, 14 of them in one cottage.

In addition to the 14 residents in Grape Cottage and two others, one staff member tested positive as of Wednesday.

As of Thursday afternoon, Marion County Health Department was reporting three new positive COVID-19 cases in Murray Center employees. A total of 5 staff and 17 residents are now testing positive.

Demijan says staff will continue to be screened for symptoms including having their temperatures taken midway through their shifts and no new staff will be detailed or temporarily assigned to Grape Cottage.

She reminded staff of the importance of hand washing and cleaning, as well as maintaining six-foot distance from others. However, that level of social distancing will be difficult for staff caring for individuals who frequently require help with eating, bathing, toileting, and walking.

While the number on Wednesday stood at 22 positive tests at Murray, testing continues and other positive diagnoses should be expected.