HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa County health officials say the number of positive COVID-19 test results continue to rise.
On Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, they announced Ottawa County has reached the level of substantial risk of transmission for the virus.
‘Substantial’ is defined by the CDC as either 8 to 9.9 percent of tests positive during the past seven days, or 50 to 99.99 cases per 100,000 persons in the past seven days.
In Monday’s announcement, health officials noted Ottawa County has reached positive results in 8.2 percent of tests during the past seven days, and 67.5 cases per 100,000 persons in the past seven days.
Allegan County reached that level last week, on the heels of significant viral spread in several other Michigan counties.
Substantial is one of four levels: low, moderate substantial and high. CDC officials recommend everyone in communities at risk for ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ transmission wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status.
“The rapid movement from moderate to substantial risk is call to all of us. We should evaluate our practices and implement additional infection prevention measures right now to slow the rapid spread of the delta variant in Ottawa County,” said Marcia Mansaray, Ottawa County Department of Public Health’s deputy health officer.
County health officials indicated this surge is likely driven by COVID-19’s delta variant, a more aggressive mutation of the original virus. Health officials announced in June that the delta variant had been detected in Ottawa County.
Most of the people getting ill are not vaccinated against COVID; a small number of vaccinated people have tested positive for the virus..
“COVID-19 transmission is increasing in Ottawa County, particularly among people who are not fully vaccinated,” said Derel Glashower, an Ottawa County senior epidemiologist. “With COVID-19 again on the rise, now is the time to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Since April 1, 2021, 95 percent of the people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Ottawa County were not fully vaccinated. Of that group, 91 percent of the people whose COVD-19 symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalization were not fully vaccinated.
While the COVID-19 vaccine cannot prevent 100 percent of infections, studies repeatedly show the vaccines limit transmission. Among the few vaccinated people who do get the virus, including the Delta variant, most have mild symptoms, compared to people who have not been vaccinated.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants public health encourages residents to:
- Get a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the vaccine clinic calendar at www.vaccinatewestmi.com/clinics or call 2-1-1
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water
- Wear a mask in indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status, since the risk level is now ‘substantial’
- Avoid large crowds and stay six feet apart from those outside your household
- Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Continuing to take steps to prevent COVID-19 protects our community, preserves our healthcare resources and keeps our schools and economy open
Comments