South Central Reporter

State officials are being asked by labor union representatives to take proactive measures to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is prevented at a Centralia residential facility. 

Local 401 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees represents the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center. They've has asked officials to help prevent the spread of the virus at the facility, according to NWI Times. 

The facility previously breached an Illinois Department of Human Services home for people with developmental disabilities and has seen several residents and employees test positive for COVID-19.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that there are a total of 241 residents, 17 of which have tested positive. Of the 559 employees, six have tested positive for the virus, Belleville News-Democrat reports. 

As of May 16, Illinois reported 92,457 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 4,129 deaths. Marion County has 48 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Human Services reported 47 of those cases were in the Murray Center. 

“However, this is a time of crisis,” the union told NWI Times. “We need more than listening from management. (We) need urgent and decisive action. In too many instances we believe management is still doing things the way they’ve always been done, rather than being willing to change approaches in order to minimize risk.”

On April 16, Illinois Department of Human Services spokeswoman Meghan Powers told NWI Times that the initial 17 patients with confirmed cases were quarantined in Grape Cottage. 

Carl Green, brother of a resident at Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, told NWI Times that he was concerned for his brother's health. Green's brother was placed in quarantine at Grape Cottage, but tested negative for the coronavirus. Green said his brother could be at risk of catching the virus if he were to develop respiratory issues from his spinal condition. 

“I’m somewhat relieved after hearing some specifics about what they’re doing (to protect residents),” Green said. “I would still like to have (my brother) moved out of that cottage, but I can’t say that they’re being reckless."