McLean County adds 42 new cases of coronavirus; Rolling positivity rate above 3%

Posted on August 20, 2020
The McLean County Health Department said nine additional people have recovered from the virus. (Graphic courtesy McLean County Health Department)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Local health officials Thursday reported 42 new cases of COVID-19 in McLean County, as a majority of the cases are people under the age of 30.

The number of actives cases in the county went up to 192. There are four people currently hospitalized, one of those in the ICU, and 188 are isolating at home. 664 residents have recovered from the virus and there have been 16-COVID related deaths.

McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said the rolling seven-day positivity rate went up to 3.3%.

“Public health efforts are greatly reliant upon individuals acting responsibly and taking actions that evidence shows will protect them and those around them,” said McKnight. “Avoiding large gatherings, maintaining social distance, practicing basic hygiene practices, and wearing a face covering are small things we can all do to lessen the impact of this virus and save lives.”

Meanwhile, since the start of August, Illinois State University has reported seven students and eight faculty members have tested positive for COVID-19. ISU President Larry Dietz shared a message this week and urged students to follow all public health guidance. Dietz said while responding to a large, off-campus gathering this past weekend, officials observed hundreds of people not following the safety guidelines.

Illinois Wesleyan University on Wednesday reported a COVID outbreak among 10 students who live off-campus. University officials said the outbreak is related to off-campus social gatherings.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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