MCHD reports two more coronavirus-related deaths; 101 new cases

Posted on December 16, 2020
The county’s rolling positivity rate inched down to 9.4%. (Graphic courtesy McLean County Health Department)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Two additional McLean County residents have died from COVID-19 complications, bringing the number of lives lost to 75.

McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said the patients were a man and woman, both in their 80s, associated with long-term care facilities.

Local health officials Wednesday announced 101 new cases, as there are 26 McLean County residents currently hospitalized due to COVID, and 1,119 are in home isolation. McLean County hospitals are reporting 81% of ICU beds in use and 81% of total beds in use.

The county’s rolling positivity rate inched down to 9.4%. 143 additional people were released from isolation, now 9,133 are considered recovered.

“This year we encourage everyone to consider modifications to their holiday plans to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep friends, family, and communities healthy and safe,” said McKnight.

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses the lowest risk, McKnight said.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…