The McLean County Health Department is reporting five more COVID-19 related deaths and 96 new infections, as the county’s testing positivity rate dips to 1.4%. That’s the lowest it’s been since early July.
The latest fatalities include a man in his 60s and another in his 90s who were not associated with long-term care facilities, as well as three women–one in her 50s and two in their 80s–who were.
Their deaths bring McLean County’s total fatalities since the start of the pandemic to 165. It’s been about a week since the last COVID-related deaths were reported.
Wednesday’s figures are the first reported since the end of last week. The health department was closed Monday for Presidents Day and again Tuesday due to extreme weather.
There are 14 McLean County residents hospitalized with COVID-19. Hospital capacity has improved since Friday. Currently, 77% of intensive care beds are in use and 21% of total beds are open–an improvement of about 10% in both categories. Bloomington-Normal hospitals have 19 COVID patients in their care.
Another 228 county residents are isolating at home. That marks the fewest active cases since Oct. 10.
More than 24,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in McLean County, according to MCHD data. State figures show just over 5,400 county residents have been fully vaccinated. That’s 3.13% of the population–slightly below the statewide vaccination rate of 3.38%.
MCHD officials said vaccine shipments are likely impacted by this week’s severe weather. The department is expecting just 500 first doses this week and another 500 next week.
Due to limited vaccine supply, MCHD Administrator Jessica McKnight said the county will likely not add first-dose vaccine appointments to next week’s clinics. Delayed shipments also may mean cancelled and rescheduled appointments, she said.
Coronavirus In McLean County
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