MT. VERNON, IL — Rumors have been flying on social media and into the offices of Mt. Vernon City Hall about the possibility of COVID-19 infected patients being housed at the Drury Inn & Suites.

Mayor John Lewis tries to shed some light on the situation.

City officials were informed last Wednesday that the Drury Inn along with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) had entered into a separate agreement than what was understood by the city of Mt. Vernon, to house individuals affected by the novel coronavirus.

Mayor Lewis says there are still not currently any patients quarantined inside the hotel and the likelihood of that happening is ‘Nil’.

National Guard members were seen in full HAZMAT gear carrying equipment and supplies into the Drury Inn & Suites. However, IEMA has assured the city this was a ‘dry run’ and all actions are just in preparation for a worst case scenario.