New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again in McLean County.
The McLean County Health Department (MCHD) reported nine new hospitalizations in the last week and two deaths — a woman in her 70s and another woman in her 80s. Neither was associated with a long-term care facility.
There have been 369 COVID-related deaths in the county since the start of the pandemic.
The county's weekly coronavirus caseload topped 600 for the first time since early February. MCHD reported 601 new cases. The largest share included younger adults in their 20s and 30s.
McLean County’s testing positivity rate reached its highest mark since late January at 11.1%.
McLean County is one of 14 Illinois counties the Centers for Disease Control defines as having a medium level of community spread. In those areas, the CDC recommends people who are at high-risk of COVID illness and those who have someone in their household at high risk should consider wearing a mask in indoor public places.
McLean County’s rate of fully vaccinated is 62.5%, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). That trails the state average of 64.8%.
