COVID-19 Case-by-Case

Photo courtesy to the CDC

NORMAL, Ill.-  McLean County Health Department is reporting 99 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the total to 2,095 cases.

Currently, 911 individuals are isolating.  Eight individuals are hospitalized, with three of those currently in Intensive Care. There are 1160 individuals that have been released from isolation and are considered recovered.

There have been 16 COVID-related deaths in McLean County.

More than 49,100 tests have been resulted for a cumulative positivity rate of 4.3%. The rolling 7-day positivity rate is 10.5% through Sept. 2, 2020.

The McLean County Health Department and Chestnut Health Systems mobile COVID testing is in Colfax at 307 North Harrison from 9:00 a.m. until noon today, Sept. 3.  Drive-through and walk-up testing is available.

The testing site uses the self-administered nasal swab tests, with each person self-swabbing as instructed and monitored by an on-site staff member.  Staff cannot assist with the self-swabbing process.

Those tested at the site should receive a call with their results in 4-7 days.  “Testing helps to identify and isolate those infected with COVID-19 and allows public health partners to be able to quickly notify and quarantine close contacts and prevent further spread of the virus.,” said Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight. “Testing is just one piece of the toolkit to address COVID.”

Testing and contact tracing efforts are most effective when combined with community-wide efforts to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 such as washing our hands, watching our distance, and wearing our face coverings.

COVID-19 spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person. An individual can spread the virus even when they do not have symptoms or appear sick.  Any interaction with someone outside of your household could be a risk for infection.  To lower your risk of infection avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded spaces with many people nearby, and close-contact settings.

“We can all do our part to be aware and take Our actions not only protect us but also our neighbors, friends, and family,” said McKnight.