UPDATED 3:40 p.m. | McLean County health officials announced four new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, the largest single-day increase in several weeks.
The county saw three new cases in the previous week.
McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said the new cases are a sign there’s more work to do to contain the virus.
“We may be at more of a plateau with our new cases, but we know that the virus is still circulating in our community and our state and nation,” McKnight said.
According to the department, the county has confirmed 92 COVID-19 cases, while 78 of those patients have recovered. Ten patients remain in isolation and one in hospitalized. Three patients have died.
County health officials are reminding the public you shouldn't shelter-in-place when you need to see a doctor.
County Health Department spokesperson Dion McNeal said medical providers are concerned the cononavirus is keeping some from seeking the medical attention they need, either because they fear infection or worry the hospital won’t have capacity to treat them.
“I know just in our conversations with our hospital partners, they have been prepared for that and making sure that information is getting out to folks here in McLean County,” McNeal said.
McKnight said the new nasal self-swabs that the mobile testing site at the McLean County Fairgrounds and medical providers are using have lessened the demand for some personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and masks.
McKnight said the county's emergency management continues to explore more locations hospitals can use for patient overflow, but they haven't needed any yet.
“That’s still a primary focus for us to continue planning, so conversations are still ongoing with (McLean County Emergency Management Agency), the health department and our hospitals for our need,” she said.
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center staged a tent next to its emergency department to handle an overflow of suspected coronavirus cases.
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Mondayannounced an additional 1,980 cases and 50 deaths.Among the deaths are two Sangamon County men in their 80s and a Champaign County woman in her 60s. The state has 45,883 cases and 1,983 deaths.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
