A Peoria-based organization caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has seen 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
EP!C runs a housing program in small homes of six to eight residents throughout Peoria and Tazewell counties. Director of Marketing Ashley Schreck said though the Illinois Department of Public Health data lumps EP!C in with nursing homes, the services they provide don't take place in a single facility.
Schreck said the cases occurred among residents and staff at three EP!C homes. Some staff are believed to have been exposed outside of the group home and were already self-isolating, she said.
Schreck said almost all cases have been asymptomatic and all but one, who is stable, have recovered at home without issue in a matter of days.
"We've been very lucky that the positive cases we have seen have been very minimal," she said. "Having a slight fever has been the biggest issue, really, besides the one individual."
Schreck said EP!C is following the guidance of health officials in completing sanitation and health checks throughout the day. She said they've implemented 12-hour shifts and a live-in model for staff to limit exposure.
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