On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendation for mask wearing. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC recommends everyone – including fully vaccinated individuals – wear a mask indoors in public if in an area of substantial or high transmission. In addition, given new evidence, the CDC is also recommending indoor face masks for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, indicating that children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies. Indoor masking for all in K-12 schools aims to reduce transmission of COVID-19, prevent student and employee absenteeism due to illness, and promote a healthy, in-person learning environment.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and St. Clair County Health Department fully support and endorse the new CDC recommendations.
St. Clair County is now classified at the substantial community transmission level with a case rate of 54.67 per 100,000 persons (Time frame: Aug 01-Aug 07) and a test positivity rate of 5.68% (Time frame: Aug 01-Aug 07). We anticipate these numbers to increase in the coming weeks. Neighboring counties have also met the moderate or substantial transmission threshold and are trending upwards as well.
St. Clair County Health Department recommends face mask wearing for all individuals – fully vaccinated and unvaccinated – while indoors in public. Given the community transmission status change, the health department also encourages schools and businesses to consider the latest public health recommendations when determining risk mitigation strategies for employees and clients within buildings.
A layered protection strategy should be followed to ensure a healthy environment, allowing all St. Clair County residents the best chance to remain healthy and physically present at work and in the classroom setting. Such strategy should include the following risk mitigation measures:
- Receive the COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible
- Wear your face mask while indoors
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain a distance of six feet from others
- Enhance ventilation systems within buildings
- Stay home when sick and get tested for COVID-19
- Adhere to isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 or quarantine if considered a close contact
“The Delta variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and increases the risk of illness and outbreaks. That is why a layered protection strategy is once again needed to help stop the spread of the virus. Vaccination remains the best tool in our toolbox to prevent COVID-19 infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, adding back in another tool, like wearing your face mask while indoors, will help ensure everyone is doing their part to protect our community against the Delta variant,” said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer.
To date, 51.0% of St. Clair County residents 12+ years and older have received at least one dose of vaccine. The health department offers COVID-19 vaccines at both their main office and Teen Health locations.
“We understand the frustration brought on by the length of the pandemic and with the changing recommendations. It has been an exceptionally difficult period. However, as more is learned about the virus and the new variants, we must change our recommendations accordingly. Please know that we recognize the potential impact our guidance can have on the community and weigh those decisions carefully” said Mercatante.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.
Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department
