What Families Should Know About COVID-19 Precautions at Murphysboro

In the survey, 73.81% of respondents said they had enough soap to wash their hands regularly during the prior week. That's a meaningful baseline. Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce spread in close living spaces.

Cleaning supplies were fairly regular for many people. 53.66% said they received cleaning chemicals for their cell or sleeping area once a day during the prior week. And when asked whether the amount was enough to actually clean thoroughly, 80.95% said yes. Frequency alone doesn't tell the whole story - what matters is whether people can get their space clean.

Shower access was strong during the survey week. 100% of respondents who answered said they could shower at least three times (41 people answered

• ✓ 84.62% said they received laundry service and their laundry was cleaned in the last week.
• ✓ 7.69% said laundry was done, but no detergent was used.
• ✓ 7.69% said laundry service was not offered.

Distancing experiences were mixed. 60.00% of respondents said they could stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible during the last week. That "when possible" piece matters in congregate settings - sometimes people can create space, and other times the layout and routines make it hard.

Respondents were less optimistic about the people around them. 56.41% said inmates around them did not stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible in the last week. Even if your loved one is careful, they're still affected by crowded spaces and what others do in shared areas.

Most respondents said they didn't seek medical care for COVID-19 concerns during the survey week - because they weren't sick. Specifically, 85% reported they did not try to get medical care for COVID-19 in the last week for that reason.

Among the smaller group who did try to get care, responses were mixed. 2.5% said they tried but received no response from staff in the last week, while 5% said staff responded. If your loved one tells you they've put in a request and they're waiting, ask follow-up questions - what did they file, and when?

1. Ask about basics, not just “Are you okay?” - Have your loved one tell you whether they can get soap regularly and whether cleaning chemicals are actually available when needed.
2. Check the routine on showers and laundry - Since people reported good shower access but mixed laundry experiences (including some reports of no detergent), ask what their week looks like in practice.
3. Talk through distancing realities - Ask where distancing is easiest (cell/sleeping area) and where it breaks down (lines, dayroom, phones), so you understand their day-to-day exposure.
4. If they feel sick, get specifics and document them - Have them write down symptoms, dates, and whether they requested medical attention and how (request slip, verbal request). Keep your own notes too.
5. Follow up through official channels if something feels urgent - If your loved one reports serious symptoms or no response after requesting care, contact the facility and be ready to share the timeline you’ve documented.