McLean County reached its worst point in the pandemic yet on Monday, with the testing positivity rate and active case numbers reaching record highs. Two more deaths were reported.
The latest deaths were a woman in her 70s and another in her 80s. They were both associated with long-term care facilities, according to the McLean County Health Department (MCHD). The death toll is now 45.
The county’s testing positivity rate is now 13.7%—a new record that surpasses even the September spike during the back-to-school outbreak at Illinois State University. This time, the new cases are spread out across even more age groups, not just college students. And despite new COVID restrictions that went into effect Nov. 4, the positivity rate and new cases continue to soar.
McLean County's positivity rate is now higher than the statewide and national averages.
Coronavirus - Testing Positivity Rate
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Bloomington-Normal’s two hospitals continue to see more and more COVID patients. About 75% of Twin City ICU beds are now in use. About 24% of overall hospital beds are available.
Fifteen people from McLean County are hospitalized. (The two local hospitals are caring for both McLean County residents and also those who live elsewhere.)
There are now 1,544 people with COVID who are isolating at home. That’s also a record.
“Due to the number of active cases, contacts, and newly-reported cases you may not receive a call from us immediately if you have tested positive,” MCHD Administrator Jessica McKnight said Monday. “We also may not be able to provide you a letter at the end of your isolation. If you test positive for COVID-19, do not wait to hear from the Health Department to begin your isolation. Please stay home and isolate yourself away from others for 10 days.”
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