Three new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in McLean County

Posted on March 20, 2020
McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight (center) confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the county on Thursday. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

Bloomington – Local health officials are reporting three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in McLean County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to four.

“All known close contacts with these individuals will be advised on the appropriate precautions they should take for their own care, and what they can do to prevent possible disease spread in the community,” said Communicable Disease Supervisor Melissa Graven.

On Thursday, McLean County Health Department officials announced the first case of COVID-19, a man in his 70’s, who is in isolation at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. The patient is in “good condition.”

The condition of the three new cases is unknown.

“The addition of these cases continues to confirm what we as a community have suspected, which is COVID-19 is present in McLean County and likely has been for some time,” Graven added. “At this point, our best action to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 is to assume every interaction you have is with someone who has COVID-19, and continue social distancing, maintain diligent hand washing and cleaning of high touch surfaces.”

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…