McLean Co. cases rise as testing guidelines are relaxed

The guidelines for those who can be tested have been expanded(PHOTO:Scott Miller/WJBC)

By Katherine Murphy

The McLean County Health Department reported six new cases of COVID-19 Saturday.

The update brings the total number of cases to 44 in the county with no additional deaths.

Testing at the McLean County Fairgrounds continues for healthcare workers, first responders, those 65 and older and anyone with an underlying medical condition. Anyone in those groups must be displaying respiratory symptoms in order to be tested.

Additionally, Health and Human Services along with the Illinois Department of Public Health released loosened guidelines Saturday afternoon that will allow Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms, Individuals with mild symptoms who live in communities experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations and individuals who do not fall into the previous categories who have symptoms of coronavirus to be tested.

While the count of those tested on Friday is still pending, the McLean County Health Department reported 176 tests were done Monday.

Tuesday’s tests totaled 109. On Wednesday 93 tests were conducted and Thursday 87 tests were administered.

Katherine Murphy can be reached at [email protected]

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