By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Six more people have died from COVID-19 in the twin cities as local health officials report 1,618 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.

The latest deaths include one female in her 50’s and two females in their 70’s, one male in his 60’s and one male in his 70’s, who was not associated with a long-term care facility.

Officials say the other deaths include one male in his 70’s who was associated with a long-term care facility.

There have been 326 COVID-related deaths in the county.

Local hospitals report 59 McLean County residents are hospitalized due to COVID-19, while 96% of ICU beds and 99% of total beds are in use.

According to a news release, 62 people are hospitalized with the virus in McLean County hospitals.

At last count, 3,329 people are isolated at home.

The county’s cumulative positivity rate increased to 5.4% on Tuesday, from 5.4% on Friday.

Officials say the rolling 7-day positivity rate decreased to 13.5% from 15.3%.

On the vaccine front, approximately 256,081 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the county.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports 61.48% of Illinoians are fully vaccinated.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].