Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) received reports from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that four cases of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant were identified in Clare and Isabella Counties.
CMDHD is urging individuals to continue to take precautions against COVID-19, especially with many of the counties in Michigan now being considered substantial or high transmission areas (CDC Transmission Indicators), as well as the Delta variant and other variants continuing to become more prevalent.
Precautions include:
- If you are not yet fully vaccinated for COVID-19, please do so as soon as possible. Call your local health department branch office, visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine, or call 2-1-1 for more information.
- Wear a mask around others if not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, follow the current CDC recommendations for mask wearing. Wearing a mask is always the safest choice.
- Stay home when ill.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you have been in close contact with others who are positive or are experiencing symptoms (regardless of your own vaccination status). Testing locations can be found by visiting www.michigan.gov/coronavirustest or by calling 2-1-1.
- Avoid crowded areas.
- Keep at least six feet apart from others.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands frequently.
According to CDC, the Delta variant may be associated with an increased risk of death, but more research needs to be done. Research also shows that the Delta variant is significantly more transmissible than other variants. At this time, there is evidence that vaccines remain effective against infections with the Delta variant, particularly at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the Delta variant. The first Michigan case of the Delta variant was identified in Ottawa County in June. Several other cases have been identified in Michigan since the first case was announced. Only a small percentage of COVID-19 tests are sequenced to identify the variant strain. In addition, it takes additional time to perform the genetic sequencing. Therefore, it is likely that there are additional unidentified cases of the Delta variant in the Central Michigan District Health Department six-county area.
This article has been brought to you by Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon. Visit our website at www.cmdhd.org, LIKE Central Michigan District Health Department on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CMiDHD.
