Gilster Mary-Lee closes Chester cake-mix plant for 2 weeks

Gilster Mary-Lee Corp. voluntarily closed the Chester cake-mix plant on Saturday, and it will remain closed for two weeks due to reported positive COVID-19 cases in the production area, according to the Randolph County Health Department.

According to Health Department Administrator Angela Oathout, Gilster Mary-Lee will conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfecting process and allow the plant to remain empty, to eliminate and prevent any further spread of the virus.

Oathout said the shutdown decision was made following a discussion between the Gilster Mary-Lee leadership, herself and State's Attorney Jeremy Walker.

"The health department will continue to monitor the situation as we anticipate additional cases will emerge," Oathout said in a news release on Sunday.

Walmart employees will now wear masks

Oathout got word on Friday that Walmart is revising its policy and will now require all employees to don facial PPE.

In her Sunday release she said she had several conversations with the Walmart Corp. and the Illinois State's Attorney's office last week, urging the corporation to require employee makes.

"I am sure I was only one of many voices urging the retail giant to make revisions, regardless that is a win for our citizens," Oathout said.