Intensive care unit bed availability in Macon County is at its lowest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic

For the fifth straight week, Macon County has been placed at a warning level for increased COVID-19 risk by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Disturbingly, ICU bed availability for the past four weeks was at the lowest levels in Macon County since the start of the pandemic and the number of individuals in home isolation due to COVID-19 has increased 349% in four weeks. 

For the week ending Aug. 14 compared to the week ending Sept. 4, the number of individuals in home isolation has increased from 489 to 2,196.  In addition, case rate increased from 287 to 580 per 100k, and test positivity has changed from 8.5% to 8.3%.  The last time the COVID-19 metrics have been this poor was November – December 2020. 

THE NUMBER OF CASES OF COVID-19 IN CHILDREN UNDER 10 HAS INCREASED 62% IN 13 WEEKS 

Macon County has seen a significant surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.  The large rise in the number of cases is most pronounced in children who are unable to get vaccinated.  From June 11, 2021 (the day Illinois entered Phase 5) to September 10, 2021, the total number of confirmed cases of all ages combined increased 26% (11,002 vs. 13,817).  In children 0-9 years old, the number of cases increased 62% (526 vs. 850), and the number of cases in children 10-19 increased 45% (1,154 vs. 1,668).  Combined, 0-19 year olds have made up 30% of the new cases in Macon County since June 11, 2021. 

Decatur citizens should do what they can to protect their family, friends, and neighbors from COVID-19 including being fully vaccinated, wearing face coverings while indoors, and practicing social distancing.  Unfortunately, Decatur and Macon County have the lowest vaccination rate, and highest per capita case rate and death rate, of any central Illinois county with a mid-sized city.

THE CITY OF DECATUR IS ENFORCING ITS COVID-19 SAFETY LAWS INCLUDING INDOOR MASK MANDATE

By law, individuals in Decatur are required to wear facial coverings in indoor public places regardless of vaccination status.  The City of Decatur has three local laws that apply and will be enforced.  City Code Chapters 50 and 52 apply to licensees including entities that sell alcoholic liquor, while Chapter 73 applies to individuals.  Individuals should contact City Manager Wrighton (217-424-2801, wrighton@decaturil.gov) to report entities violating the city’s COVID-19 safety laws.