CDC raises McLean County’s COVID community level to medium as cases and hospitalizations rise

PEORIA (25 News Now) - Four more people have died in McLean County from COVID-19 related illnesses amid an increasing number of new cases and a higher rate of hospitalizations, the county’s health department said on Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) elevated McLean County’s community level to medium, having been at a low level during most of September and October. Peoria County is also at a medium community level, and Logan County is at a high community level, according to the latest data.

McLean County Health officials reported 513 new COVID cases for the two-week period ending Dec. 1, from 352 new cases the previous two weeks.

Hospitalization indicators increased as well. The CDC said McLean County saw 11.1 new hospital admissions per 100,000 people during the seven days ending Nov. 29, up from 6.2 new hospital admissions for the seven days ending Nov. 15.

McLean County’s COVID death toll has risen to 408 after deaths were reported of two women in their 60s, a woman in her 80s and a man in his 70s. The health department said none of the four people were associated with long-term care facilities.

People need to get tested after Thanksgiving family gatherings, and as more people stay indoors during cold weather months, said McLean County Health Department spokesperson Marianne Manko. She noted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended expiration dates on the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests ordered from COVID.gov.

New expiration dates can be found by lot number on the iHealth website.