A record number of McLean County residents are now hospitalized with COVID-19, as Bloomington-Normal hospitals report less than 10% of their ICU beds are available for new patients.
There are now 23 McLean County residents hospitalized, the county’s health department said Tuesday. That is the most since the pandemic began.
There are currently more than 50 people hospitalized in McLean County hospitals that are reporting 91% of ICU beds in use, and 83% of total beds in use. (The hospitals treat people from McLean County and those who live elsewhere.)
McLean County health officials reported the 50th COVID-related death on Tuesday. It was a woman in her 30s with underlying health conditions who was not associated with a long-term care facility.
While the bulk of COVID-related deaths have involved people in their 70s, 80s and 90s, there have been three deaths of people in their 30s, according to the McLean County Health Department (MCHD).
Meanwhile, the county’s testing positivity rate (7-day average) fell again, down to 8.1%. That’s the lowest it’s been since Nov. 5, after peaking at nearly 15% during this second wave. McLean County's positivity rate is now lower than the statewide and national averages.
McLean County is testing a record number of people. About 12,321 tests were done in McLean County over the past week – 16% higher than the previous busiest week, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Less than half of those tests were done at the Interstate Center in west Bloomington.
Illinois State University strongly encouraged its students to get tested before returning to their permanent residences, or hometowns, for Thanksgiving and winter break. Many students heeded that advice. More than 3,400 students were tested over the past week, yielding a positivity rate of just 3%.
ISU has seen 1,818 students test positive since the fall semester began. That’s 8.7% of all students.
Coronavirus In McLean County
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