New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to fall in McLean County as the Centers for Disease Control relaxes its COVID-19 guidelines.
McLean County remains at medium COVID-19 community level, meaning people at high risk of COVID complications, or who have high risk people in their household, should consider wearing a mask in indoor public places.
The McLean County Health Department (MCHD) reported 296 new coronavirus cases in the last week, marking a drop for the third consecutive week. The county reports 6.6 new hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. That also reflects a gradual decline over the last month.
McLean County has reported an additional COVID-related death — a woman in her 50s, who was not associated with a long-term care facility. There have been 388 COVID-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
On Thursday, the CDC announced a series of relaxed COVID protocols, including eliminating the 6-foot social distancing rule, no longer recommending routine COVID testing in schools, and no longer recommending quarantine for those who are exposed to the virus.
The CDC estimates 95% of the population has some immunity through vaccination or previous infections.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), 63.1% of McLean County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
MCHD spokesperson Marianne Manko said Friday the county is still waiting on new guidance expected from IDPH before it will comment on the changes.
