By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – According to McLean County Health officials, cases of COVID-19 are increasing at “an alarming rate,” as health officials report another COVID-related death and 11 new cases of the virus.

Authorities report the lasted COVID-related death is a male in his 70’s, who was not associated with a long-term care facility pushing the county’s total number of deaths from COVID-19 to 242.

Additionally, 27 McLean County residents are hospitalized due to COVID-19, that’s up from 24 on Wednesday. Health officials also report 14 residents from outside the county are hospitalized in the county for COVID-19.

On Thursday, Gov. JB Pritzker announced an indoor mask mandate and a vaccine requirement for all schools, state, and healthcare workers. The mandate includes pre-school through college teachers, including workers at public and private nursing homes.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, the McLean County Health Department has consistently encouraged people to follow the mitigations that we know will slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and help save lives,” MCHD Public Affairs Coordinator Marianne Manko said in a press release.

“New COVID-19 cases in McLean County have increased at an alarming rate over the last two months. Hospitals across the state of Illinois, and our neighboring states, are reaching their capacity and healthcare staffing remains a concern.”

Officials also report the county’s cumulative positivity rate is down slightly to 4.7% from 4.8%. In addition, the rolling 7-day positivity rate is also down slightly to 4.2% from 4.4%.

Approximately 179,451 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the county on the vaccine front, and 51.87% of the county’s population is fully vaccinated.

Since the start of the pandemic, 19,375 individuals have been released from isolation and are considered fully recovered.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].