McLean County's COVID-19 testing positivity rate continued to worsen on Thursday, reaching its highest level in four weeks.
The local positivity rate (7-day average) climbed to 10.9%, said the McLean County Health Department (MCHD). That's higher than the statewide (7.6%) and regional (8.9%) positivity rates. The county's positivity rate peaked at 14.9%, just before Thanksgiving as COVID's second wave crashed into Bloomington-Normal.
That second wave persists. Bloomington-Normal's hospitals report about 73% of ICU beds in use, and 82% of total beds in use, as of Thursday, according to MCHD.
There are 24 people from McLean County who are hospitalized, down two from Wednesday. (The hospitals are caring for people who live in McLean County and elsewhere.)
No new deaths were reported Thursday. MCHD reported 110 new cases on Thursday.
Meanwhile, COVID continues to impact many different age groups in McLean County. While college-aged young people were the hardest-hit age group early on during the pandemic, their disporportionate share of cases is evening out. In September, people 30-49 years old made up just 14% of all cases. Now, they're 24% of cases.
The same is true in children. In September, they comprised just 5.7% of cases. Now, they're nearly 11% of cases.
COVID By Age
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Vaccinations are now underway for top-priority people, including health care workers and long-term care residents and staff. Long-term care vaccinations began Monday, while MCHD urged people to be cautious about celebrating New Year's Eve.
"The safest way to celebrate the new year is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you or virtually with friends and family. Travel and gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others," MCHD said.
"If you are celebrating the New Year with people outside your household, make sure you follow steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live with you, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick."
Coronavirus - Testing Positivity Rate
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