The St. Clair County Health Department has confirmed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, and they are monitoring 55 people along with 80 of their contacts. The newly confirmed cases include people aged 41-72, most of whom are recovering at home. One patient, a 41 year old female, is hospitalized.
Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer at the St. Clair County Health Department stated, “We do, in fact, have community transmission at this time. People who feel well do not need testing. If there is contact to a positive COVID case, our staff will evaluate the situation and determine if contacts need testing. We are trying to preserve testing for those who need medical care, who are most vulnerable, and those that are critical to our epidemiological investigation. Most people will have mild symptoms and recover without event, but the elderly and people with chronic disease do need to avoid contact with people.”
In addition, “Regardless if people are tested or not, they should stay home. All sick people should stay home, whether they have been tested or not. Those with life threatening situations should call 911. Individuals who need to go out for their medications, food/supplies, or those who still need to go work, all need to be mindful on social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, wiping down high-touch surfaces and other preventive measures.”
A general COVID-19 Informational Hotline is available Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 4:30 PM at (810) 966-4163 or email questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org. The State of Michigan hotline is 1-888-535-6136.
