Washtenaw County remains at a high level of COVID-19 transmission. Vaccination provides the strongest protection for individuals and our community. Vaccination is safe, effective, free, and available at multiple community locations. Booster doses are now approved for everyone 18 years and over. Anyone eligible but not yet vaccinated against COVID should do so as soon as possible.
With transmission high, we must use all of our tools and strategies to reduce spread and prevent hospitalizations and deaths. Masks, increased ventilation, isolation when sick, quarantine if exposed, frequent hand cleaning, and physical distance all provide additional layers of protection. Washtenaw County Health Department strongly recommends masking for everyone in indoor, public space or crowds regardless of vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine if exposed, but you should isolate yourself for at least 10 days if you test positive or have COVID symptoms. See more at www.washtenaw.org/Covid19whattodo.
Additional precautions are needed, and we must take them seriously,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer for the Washtenaw County Health Department. “We know how to slow the spread of illness. We are asking everyone to mask up indoors in public settings. Get vaccinated if you are eligible and have not yet done so.
Local COVID cases and related metrics have increased for many weeks. Washtenaw County is currently reporting over 150 cases per day; test positivity has increased to 9.5% (for the week of Nov 29-Dec 5). COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths have also increased; 80 hospitalizations and 11 deaths were reported from Nov 19 through Dec 2.
Health Department recommendations should be taken seriously during a pandemic and without the need for additional state or local orders. Data and public health practice support the use of vaccination, masks, and additional prevention measures like physical distance, frequent hand cleaning, and appropriate isolation if positive or quarantine if exposed.
COVID Vaccination
Vaccination is available from the Health Department and at pharmacies or other health care providers.
Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. The Health Department has Pfizer, Moderna, and one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines available. Anyone getting a COVID vaccination at the Health Department can also request a flu vaccine at the same time. See www.washtenaw.org/flushots for more options.
Local COVID information and updates are always available at www.washtenaw.org/covid19. The Health Department also sends regular emails updates, sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.
Helpful links:
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