St. Clair County Department of Health issues public health alert as virus spreads

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Michigan – St. Clair County is seeing a worrying rapid acceleration in positive COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday, November 9, the county has seen a record 9.5% positivity rate.

Due to the increase in the number of people infected, the current level of new cases per day in November represents a 144% increase over the number of new cases per day reported in October.

The impact and the pace of these changes are already much more than a week ago.

In addition, the ability of the Department of Health to effectively investigate cases to determine the sources and exposure of infection has become increasingly limited.

In addition, the SCCHD has been made aware of an increasing number of cases related to work and school.

With the increase in exposures and quarantines, local businesses, agencies and facilities may find it difficult to properly staff their organizations.

Workplace guidelines have been developed and can be found at: www.scchealth.co (COVID-19 page).

• Do not work when you are sick, whether or not you have been tested for COVID-19. Suppose you have COVID-19 until you know otherwise

• If you think or know you have COVID-19, stay in isolation for the full 10 days even if you feel better.

• If you are exposed, stay in quarantine to the best of your ability for 14 days and do everything possible to avoid contact with others during this time.

• Avoid crowds

• Wear a mask when surrounded by people outside of your immediate family

• Develop contingency plans for children who may not be able to attend school in person or daycare.

• Avoid eating inside outside your home.

• Schedule virtual meetings for social and professional activities

• Avoid extracurricular activities and social gatherings that will put you face to face with others

• Support each other when we make difficult decisions and sacrifices

Medical Officer of Health Dr Annette Mercatante explained: “In those weeks or months between high transmission rates and the release of a vaccine, we just have to face this reality. Remember that what makes you slightly sick can be life threatening. These difficult times will improve, but we must work together to minimize the impact of this situation on our community and our economy. And we must act now. “

General questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the St. Clair County helpline at 810-966-4163, or by email at [email protected].

Additional resources are available on the Department of Health website at www.scchealth.co or on social media @scchdmi.

The number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan rose to 216,804 on Monday, including 7,640 deaths, state officials report.

Monday’s update represents 9,010 new cases and 62 more deaths in the past two days. The state reported a total of 207,794 cases and 7,578 deaths on Saturday.