According to leaders at the Illinois Department of Public Health, seasonal respiratory cases are down statewide.… MORE
Category Archives: Ask The Expert: Health
MCHD Administrator: “Things are looking good” as Illinois drops mask mandate
BLOOMINGTON – Despite the mask mandate ending on Monday, McLean County’s top health officials warn the public of a possible uptick in hospitalizations as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.… MORE
McLean County’s top health official issues warnings for the holidays, says “this is serious”
As hospitals in McLean County is near capacity with cases of COVID-19 and the new variant Omicron running rampant, local health officials are issuing guidance for holiday get-togethers.… MORE
Rising COVID hospitalizations big concern for the state’s top doctor
The state’s top public health doctor says one of the biggest concerns right now is the surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations.… MORE
MCHD officials report new COVID-19 death; warn Delta variant could raise cases
For the past week, the McLean County Health Department is reporting one COVID-related death with 16 new cases of the virus.… MORE
Dr. Wieland: COVID-19 booster vaccine could be recommended down the road
As research continues around the COVID-19 vaccine, a Bloomington Doctor says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) could recommend a booster vaccine down the road.… MORE
McLean County health leaders dealing with cancelled second-dose vaccine appointments
Health Leaders in McLean County say they are running into a new challenge with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines – convincing people to get both doses.… MORE
Bloomington Dr.: J&J COVID-19 vaccine is safe and “benefits outweigh the potential risks”
According to a Bloomington Doctor, the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is safe after a two-week pause due to reports of rare blood clots in a few women.… MORE
OSF Hospitals shining pink lights on buildings to mark one year of COVID-19
To mark a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, OSF Healthcare is lighting its buildings in pink lights to signify thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to healthcare workers on the frontlines.… MORE
Pharmacies stand at the ready to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 30-days
As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues worldwide, Pharmacies stand at the ready to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 30-day’s barring supplies.… MORE
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…