COVID-19 Case-by-Case Update

Photo courtesy to the CDC

NORMAL, Ill.- McLean County Health Department is reporting 38 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the total to 776 cases. 

Currently, 136 individuals are isolating at home. While six individuals are currently hospitalized, while one of those is in the Intensive Care Unit. There are 618 individuals that have been released from isolation and are considered recovered. 

According to McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight, McLean County has now their sixteenth COVID-related death in McLean County, a woman in her 60s. 

“This most recent fatality was not related to a long-term care facility.  Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the virus,” said McKnight.

McLean County reported nearly 100 new cases of COVID last week and has averaged over 100 active cases each day. Over 35,900 tests have been resulted for a cumulative positivity rate of 2.2%. 

McLean County Health Department continues to discourage holding or attending large gatherings, which are a high risk for spreading the virus.

“Parties and events where social distancing is not practiced needlessly put all those present in danger. Parties and gatherings are not just a threat for those present,” said McKnight. “Anyone could unknowingly spread the virus to friends, family, or co-workers who are more vulnerable.”

A person can infect another person up to 48 hours before they exhibit any symptoms.  Asymptomatic individuals, or those who never develop symptoms despite testing positive, can also infect others. A person can infect another person up to 48 hours before they exhibit any symptoms.  Asymptomatic individuals, or those who never develop symptoms despite testing positive, can also infect others.

About 7% of McLean County’s COVID cases have been asymptomatic throughout their isolation.

The McLean County health department is recommending that you be tested for COVID 5 to 7 days after attending a party. 

While some people with underlying health conditions are more likely than others to become severely ill, even young healthy individuals can have complications from the virus, and some may even need to be hospitalized.

“Everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus. Every interaction with someone outside your household should be treated as a risk for transmission,” said McKnight.