Hospitals nearing capacity; MCHD reports 49 new cases of COVID-19

Posted on September 23, 2021
The McLean County Health Department reported the new cases on Thursday. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Hospitals in the twin cities are nearing capacity as health officials report 49 new cases of COVID-19.

At last count, 33 McLean County residents are hospitalized with the virus, while hospitals are reporting 96% of ICU beds and 94% of total beds are in use.

Health officials report the county’s cumulative positivity rate decreased to 4.5% from 4.6%. Officials also say that the rolling 7-day positivity rate dropped due to a high testing volume to 2.8% from 3.6%.

MCHD Public Affairs Coordinator Marianne Manko reports 469 people are isolating at home, while 21.036 people have been released from isolation and are considered recovered.

There have been 255 COVID-related deaths reported in McLean County since the start of the pandemic.

Authorities also report 184,722 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the county, and 53.71% of the county’s population are fully vaccinated.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), 54.74% of Illinoians are fully vaccinated.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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