By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Public health officials have announced three additional coronavirus deaths in Illinois and the first case here in McLean County.

The individuals include a Will County resident in his 50s, a Cook County resident in her 80s, and a Florida woman in her 70s who was in Sangamon County, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The McLean County Health Department says the first case locally is a man in his 70s with no history of travel or exposure. The man is in isolation at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

Health department officials say they are reaching out to people who had contact with the patient to help prevent possible disease spread in the community.

“We have been preparing for this situation,” said Jessica McKnight, Health Department Administrator.  “I have confidence in the ability of our staff and local healthcare partners to respond to this situation.  We are working with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to protect our community and limit the further spread of the virus.”

The MCHD will be conducting investigations on any suspected COVID-19 illness and notify the public if there are any additional confirmed cases in McLean County.

The IDPH is reporting 422 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. Just over 3,151 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois.  Cases by county can be found here.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Story via WJBC.com