By Neil Doyle
BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Health Department Tuesday announced 43 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the county total to 1,186.
MCHD Administrator Jessica McKnight said there are 443 active cases, up from 407 Monday. Four people remain hospitalized and 439 are isolating at home. McKnight said 38 of the new cases are people between the ages of 18-40 and the county’s rolling seven-day positivity rate inched up to 7.4%.
“The next three to four weeks will be a pivotal time in our community’s response to the COVID pandemic,” said McKnight. “The McLean County Health Department continues to work with our universities, community leaders, and local businesses and make recommendations based on the State of Illinois’ Mitigation Plan. Now is the time for us to come together as a community and support one another in a collaborative effort rather than placing blame on any one person or group of people.”
Leaders from Bloomington, Normal, McLean County, Illinois State State University, and Illinois Wesleyan University are scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss COVID-19.
Seven additional people have been released from isolation, now 727 recovered, and there have been 16 lives lost.
“Face coverings remain one of the most effective tools we have available to us to slow the spread, particularly when used universally in a community setting,” McKnight said. “The mask you wear protects others, and the mask they are wearing protects you. Washing our hands, watching our distance, and wearing our face coverings are simple things we can all do to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and show that we care.”
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]
