As we enter into the holiday season, St. Clair County Department (SCCHD) is warning residents of the current high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community.
Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer stated: “As people begin to gather indoors for the holiday season, SCCHD expects to see a further increase in cases, with increased deaths to follow. We are urgently pleading for everyone to take this seriously and take precautionary measures as critical services, educational systems and business communities may become deeply impacted.”
Test positivity is higher than it has been at any earlier point in the pandemic, and the rate of new cases is on pace to meet or exceed any previous high. At this time, Michigan has one of the highest rates of new cases per population for the past seven days in the nation.
Current case trends in St. Clair County continue to be on the rise. As of 11/17/2021:
- Weekly case positivity is 21.6%
- St. Clair County is averaging approximately 176 new cases/day
- St. Clair County had 1,230 new cases in the last week
- 21% of all St. Clair County hospital beds are being used for COVID-19
Mercatante continued, “It’s about personal responsibility which is key in fighting this pandemic and protecting our community. It will take everyone, working together, to protect those who cannot be vaccinated or who are at greater risk of serious illness or death.”
Personal responsibility includes:
- Getting vaccinated. If unvaccinated, speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits of vaccination. The vaccine is free, safe, effective, and available throughout the County. Vaccines are now available for children ages five and older. Boosters available for 18 and over.
- Wearing a mask indoors, at work, school and anywhere in public when gathered around other people, even if vaccinated.
- Staying home when sick or not feeling well.
- Getting tested if having symptoms, even minor symptoms, or if exposed to someone with COVID. Do not spend time with others outside of your household while awaiting test results. Also seek testing prior to attending indoor gatherings.
To find vaccine or testing resources visit www.scchealth.co; https://www.vaccines.gov/; or https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.
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
