Macon County has highest per capita death rate from COVID-19 of any central Illinois county with a mid-size city
Sadly, from the start of the pandemic thru October 1, 2021, 242 Macon County residents have died from COVID-19. Since the pandemic began, the death rate in Macon County is 55% greater and the case rate is 10% greater than any other central Illinois county with a mid-sized city. Specifically, the death rate in Macon County is 233 per 100k and case rate is 14,339 per 100k. This compares with Champaign County (93 per 100k and 12,863 per 100k, respectively), McLean County (150 per 100k and 12,987 per 100k, respectively), and Sangamon County (140 per 100k and 12,783 per 100k, respectively) (data compiled on 10/3/21).
VACCINATION RATES IN MACON COUNTY ARE LOWEST OF ANY CENTRAL ILLINOIS COUNTY WITH A MID-SIZED CITY
The percentage of individuals who are fully vaccinated in Macon County as of October 1 is 44% compared to Champaign (54%), McLean (54%), and Sangamon (56%) counties. Vaccination rates lag in every age category with 32% of 12-17 year old individuals fully vaccinated in Macon County (compared with Champaign, McLean, and Sangamon counties that range from 51% - 63%). In Macon County, 51% of 18-64 year old individuals are fully vaccinated (comparison counties range from 62% – 65%), and in Macon County, 79% of individuals 65 years and older are fully vaccinated (comparison counties range from 89% - 92%).
THE NUMBER OF CASES OF COVID-19 IN CHILDREN UNDER 10 HAS INCREASED 84% IN 16 WEEKS IN MACON COUNTY
Recently, Macon County has experienced 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 (the day Illinois entered Phase 5) to October 1, the total number of confirmed cases of all ages combined increased 36% (11,002 vs. 14,912). In children 0-9 years old, the number of cases increased 84% (526 vs. 968), and the number of cases in children 10-19 increased 62% (1,154 vs. 1,872). Combined, 0-19 year olds have made up 30% of the new cases in Macon County since June 11, 2021.
DECATUR AND MACON COUNTY RESIDENTS CAN DO BETTER IN PROTECTING THEMSELVES AND OTHERS
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. The most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. Other measures including wearing a face covering and social distancing are also necessary and prudent, particularly given that only 44% of Macon County residents are fully vaccinated (as of 10/1/21) and children under 12 are not able to receive the vaccine.
By law, individuals in Decatur are required to wear face coverings in indoor public places regardless of vaccination status. The City of Decatur has three local laws that apply and will be enforced. Individuals should contact City Manager Wrighton (217-424-2801, wrighton@decaturil.gov) to report entities violating the city’s COVID-19 safety laws.