McLean County officials announce three more COVID-related deaths

Posted on December 10, 2020
McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight reports 16 residents are hospitalized due to the virus. (Photo courtesy: McLean County Health Department/Facebook)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Health officials Thursday reported three additional COVID-related deaths.

There have now been 65 COVID-related deaths in the county. Officials report the latest deaths are a female in her 60’s, a male in his 70’s, and a female in her 100’s all associated with long-term care facilities.

Local health officials also report 111 additional cases of COVID-19, as there are 16 residents hospitalized and 1,177 individuals isolating at home.

McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight reports 8,415 individuals have been released from home isolation.

“We continue to urge the public to take steps to protect themselves, their communities, and people who are at increased risk of severe illness. The virus spreads at large events but also at small private gatherings between family and friends. Stay home as much as possible, wear a mask, follow guidance for isolation and quarantine, wash your hands, and practice social distancing.”

More than 153,800 tests have resulted in a cumulative positivity rate of 6.3%. The rolling 7-day positivity rate is down slightly at 9.1%.

So far, 9,673 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county, while 8,415 individuals have been released from isolation.

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…