UPDATED 4 p.m. | McLean County’s COVID-19 testing positivity rate has surpassed 8%—a benchmark that, if it continues, could trigger tighter restrictions under the Restore Illinois plan.
The rolling seven-day positivity rate is now 8.2%. That comes as the McLean County Health Department (MCHD) reported 50 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.
Of the new cases, 28 include people in their 20s. Another 15 are among those ages 18 and 19. That continues an upward trend in infections among college-age people. Two other cases are patients under the age of 10.
Four COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, while another 450 are isolating at home.
The county’s cumulative positivity rate (since the pandemic began) has climbed to 3%.
Meanwhile, Illinois State University reported 353 student cases on Wednesday. That's up from 273 cases Monday, the last time the university's data was updated. ISU's testing positivity rate stands at 19.3%.
Illinois Wesleyan University reported 10 additional student cases on Wednesday, bringing its total to 50. They all live off-campus.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has indicated three consecutive days of greater than, or equal to, an 8% test positivity rate (seven-day rolling) could lead to stricter mitigation efforts. Other factors include a rise in COVID-19 disease burden, coupled with a decrease in hospital bed capacity.
McLean County is part of Region 2 under the Restore Illinois plan. According to the most up-to-date IDPH data, the region’s seven-day rolling positivity rate was 6.4% as of Aug. 22.
Loading...
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.
