McLean County has added 67 new coronavirus patients in the past week—tying the weekly record—as public health officials reiterated their plea to wear face masks and limit sustained contact with those outside your home.
There were 12 new cases of the coronavirus reported Sunday, said the McLean County Health Department (MCHD). The 67 new cases in the past week tie the previous seven-day record set May 20, when the deadly outbreak at Bloomington Rehab was underway. Excluding that isolated outbreak, COVID-19 has never been more widespread in the community than it is right now.
Of the 64 active cases as of Sunday, just one person was hospitalized. The rest are isolating at home.
“With more people out, and COVID-19 widespread in many communities, now is the time to be cautious and extra vigilant,” said MCHD Administrator Jessica McKnight. “Everyone acting responsibly can help us control the spread of the virus and avoid putting ourselves or others in harm’s way.”
Sustained contact (more than 10 minutes) is a higher risk situation than a brief interaction, she said. For example, sitting close to someone for a long period of time and talking is much riskier than just passing by someone at the store or in the hallway. A safer situation is one where you can maintain 6 feet of space between yourself and people you do not live with.
Of the 382 total cases since March, 302 people have recovered. Fifteen people have died.
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More testing locally
Meanwhile, McLean County’s testing positivity rate dipped to 2.4% (seven-day rolling average), according to MCHD. That is still below the statewide and national averages.
The drive-thru testing site at the Interstate Center in Bloomington continues to see brisk demand. This week it has tested, on average, 383 people per day. That’s easily a record.
The testing site, run by Pekin-based Reditus Labs, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. No symptoms are needed.
Coronavirus - Testing Positivity Rate
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