HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Just as the weather cools down. Allegan and Ottawa counties’ COVID-19-transmission status has gotten red-hot.
County health officials issued alerts Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, noting the increased rate of transmission of the virus.
They are blaming two factors for the spike: the number of unvaccinated people, and the increasing prevalence of one COVID-19 mutation, the aggressive delta variant. While most of the people getting sick are the unvaccinated, county health officials say a few people who have been vaccinated have been diagnosed
“The delta variant is spreading quickly, increasing the number of positive cases reported in Ottawa County,” said Derel Glashower, Ottawa County’s senior epidemiologist in the public health department . “The delta variant has pushed us into the ‘high risk of transmission’ category so it is important to take extra precautions to protect ourselves and our community.”
As of Friday, 1,001 Ottawa County residents have some form of COVID-19. In Allegan County, 518 people have the coronavirus. Spectrum Health’s dashboard shows 65 patients admitted with severe symptoms of the coronavirus as of Friday.
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot prevent 100 percent of infections, but — as with flu vaccines — a COVID-19 vaccine not only prevent many of them., those who do get ill generally have milder symptoms.
Tips for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, as well as flu, colds, and other contagious diseases, health officials strongly encourage all people to:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine, which multiple studies show are safe and effective for pregnant women and others eligible for the shot. The vaccine clinic calendar is online at vaccinatewestmi.com/clinics or call 211 for details.
- 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 indoors, regardless of vaccination status
- Avoid large crowds.
- 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. For pop-up tests and those at area retailers in Ottawa County, visit miottawa.org/health/ochd/covid-19-testing-locations.htm. In Allegan County, visit michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-99891_99912—,00.html
Preventing continued spread of COVID-19 protects the community, preserves healthcare resources and keeps schools and economy open, as well as reduces the chances of new variants developing.
Clinics this weekend include:
- 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 14: Allegan High School, 1560 M-40, Allegan. Clinic is in the front multipurpose room https://ph-allegan.as.me/nwlkbcfrd
- 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14: Walk-in Pfizer, for those 12 and older; or J&J, for those ages 18 and older at the Pride Open House, Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave. near downtown Holland
- Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15: Walk-in Pfizer, for those 12 and older; or J&J, for those ages 18 and older at the LAUP/BLVD Church event, 283 W. 15th St. in Holland
For future clinics, visit vaccinatewestmi.com/clinics.
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