ICU beds nearing capacity as officials report 16 new cases of COVID-19

Posted on December 23, 2020
OSF Pharmacist Ryan Wolf prepares COVID-19 vaccines. (Photo courtesy: McLean County Health Department)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Intensive Care Units are close to capacity as county officials report 16 new cases of COVID-19, the lowest in nearly six weeks.

McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight reports 96% of ICU beds are in use, 89% of total beds in use, and 74 individuals remain hospitalized for COVID-19.

“Eighteen McLean County residents are reported to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. It is important to remember that this number does not represent all persons currently hospitalized for COVID-19 or for other treatment and care. Our local hospitals provide care for individuals from outside our county.”

Officials also report a male in his 90’s who was associated with a long-term care facility was the county’s 86th COVID-19 death.

At this time, 696 individuals are isolated at home, while 9,794 individuals have been released from isolation and are considered recovered.

More than 169,200 tests have resulted in a cumulative positivity rate of 6.4%. The rolling 7-day positivity rate is 7.2%.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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