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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

McLean County Health Officials Project COVID Rise With More People Out

McLean County COVID-19 cases
McLean County Health Department
McLean County announced no new COVID-19 cases on Monday.

Lots of people were out and about over the weekend in Bloomington-Normal—and not just at the racial justice rally.

McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said outdoor dining and the warmer weather also are bringing more people together outdoors, and they are increasing the risk for COVID-19 infection.

“In two weeks or so, we will likely see an increase in our cases,” said McKnight, adding that bars and restaurants starting outdoor dining and other business reopenings was a main factor. “People are getting more active, so we are anticipating to see more cases.”

McKnight said large gatherings of people can also complicate contact tracing if there are COVID-19 infections. 

"You don't always know the person next to you personally. "These are the kinds of incidents where if we identify a case from one of these events we may need to let the public know if you were at this gathering we would ask you to monitor for symptoms and be on the lookout for that." 

McLean County announced no new COVID-19 cases on Monday while five more people have recovered. That’s the fourth time in the last 10 days the county hasn’t added any coronavirus cases. The county currently has 220 cases—about 25% of them tied to the Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care Center where nine residents and one staff person have died. The nursing home has 34 residents and 21 staff who became infected. 

The county has 26 active cases, including four residents who are hospitalized.

The business reopenings were part of Phase 3 of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan that took effect Friday. McKnight said the health department didn’t see any rise “out of the ordinary” in social distancing complaints.

Testing slows

Testing has slowed at the community-based testing site at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The clinic saw 90 people get tested over the weekend and has averaged just 73 tests per day since private lab Reditustook over the testing May 23.

“We’re in that time of year where we don’t see as many additional viruses that have COVID-like symptoms, so we may not be seeing as high a demand of people that are exhibiting those symptoms. But can we interpret that COVID is gone? Absolutely not,” McKnight said.

The testing site is open to anyone daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 7,644 McLean County residents have received either the COVID-19 diagnostic or antibody tests.

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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.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
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