MCHD announces two new cases of COVID-19; encourages protesters at mass gatherings to get tested

Posted on June 5, 2020
The McLean County Health Department announced two new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. (Photo courtesy: McLean County Health Department)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight has a warning for anyone who has attended recent protests or rallies.

“Following the guidance of the Illinois Department of Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, she’s urging anyone who recently attended rallies, protests, or other mass gatherings to get tested for COVID-19 five to seven days after participating. And of course also immediately if symptoms do develop.”

Several rallies throughout Bloomington-Normal have had anywhere from 500-1,000 people. McKnight said the health department expects the case numbers to rise in the next two weeks.

“What we are seeing is people wearing their face coverings, and practicing their social distancing measures as much as possible, so the hope is the measures that we are taking now is helping us to control the spread. We’ll know more as we continue to go on with this, and we do expect to continue to see cases.”

Of the 225 cases, 18 remain in home isolation, three remain hospitalized, and 191 have recovered.

There have been 13 deaths in the county.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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