No McLean County residents are hospitalized due to COVID-19 for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
According to data released Tuesday by the McLean County Health Department, the two residents who were hospitalized as of Monday are now isolating at home. The county currently has 16 people who are isolating. Thirteen patients have died, including nine residents and one staff person at the Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
The department announced four new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, to bring the total of confirmed cases to 232.
COVID-19 testing continues at the Interstate Center in Bloomington daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Complaints
The health department has seen a rise in COVID-19 complaints since the state moved to Phase 3 that allowed more businesses to reopen.
The county received about one complaint per day during Phase 2 when most businesses remained closed, or had limited operations from May 1-28. Since more businesses started to reopen on May 29, the county has been getting about two complaints per day related to the coronavirus.
Health department Administrator Jessica McKnight said many of them are misunderstandings.
“We see people wanting to do the right thing and sometimes it’s an education,” she said.
McKnight said the county isn’t seeking to enforce social distancing guidelines by punishing business owners, noting that seeking voluntary compliance has worked.
“They have the safety and protection of the community at the heart, so they are trying to do whatever is necessary to follow those guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of their patrons,” McKnight said.
Protests
McLean County hasn't seen any confirmed COVID-19 cases related to recent racial justice rallies and protests, but the health department is trying to help the organizations holding these demonstrations avoid causing an outbreak.
Dion McNeal, the agency's communications specialist, said the county is reaching out to these groups to offer support.
“We are trying to do what we can with public health to address some of the concerns that folks are protesting, but also to address some of the things that folks are accessing so they have the right tools and resources to reduce and prevent their exposure to COVID-19,” McNeal said.
McNeal said the county also will share resources for emotional and mental health needs for the protesters.
“This is an extremely difficult time for many and may place a particular burden on people of color,” McNeal said. “Emotional and mental health needs of our community are an important part of public health, especially now.”
McLean County health officials have said they expect a rise in COVID-19 cases because of the racial justice protests. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends anyone who attended a protest to get tested for COVID-19 within five to seven days.
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