A Discomforting Upward Trend

Regional COVID Cases On The Rise
 
From our friends at DHD#10
 
Over the last two months, District Health Department #10 has experienced a 436% increase in COVID-19 cases and as of August 24th, an average percent positivity rate of 11.2%. Nearly all counties across the jurisdiction are now identified as meeting the definition of substantial or high transmission levels as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  
 
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Delta variant is now the predominant variant of concern in Michigan and every incident infection should be considered as such. On August 25, DHD#10 confirmed that there have been 24 confirmed Delta variant cases reported in the 10-county jurisdiction, and it is likely there are additional unidentified cases. 
 
“There continues to be evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against the Delta variant by decreasing the severity of illness and risk of death for those who do become infected with COVID-19,” states Jordan Powell, Epidemiologist for DHD#10. Powell shared that as of August 17th, 52.7% or 114,654 of DHD#10 residents had fully completed their vaccination series. Of those, 0.28% resulted in a breakthrough case of COVID-19.* She added that nearly 95% of hospitalizations and 89% of deaths that occurred in our jurisdiction from February 17th (when our first breakthrough case was reported) to August 17th, were among those who were not fully vaccinated. 
*A breakthrough case is defined as an individual who has completed the primary series of an FDA-authorized vaccine, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen on a specimen collected on or after 14 days after the final dose of vaccine, AND has not tested positive by PCR or antigen in the 45 days prior to the most recent positive PCR or antigen test. 
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Remember, to reduce the risk of becoming infected or spreading COVID-19, including the Delta variant, the CDC recommends that all people, whether fully vaccinated or not, in areas of substantial or high transmission should:  

• Wear a mask in public indoor settings. 
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.  
• Isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms 
• Get tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure. 
• If eligible, get vaccinated!

 
DHD#10 continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, go to www.dhd10.org/schedule. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, go to www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine. To stay up to date on the latest information, sign up for Public Health Alerts at www.dhd10.org/subscribe.  

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