While overall COVID-19 cases in Michigan have started to decrease, two counties are experiencing a spike in cases. According to District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), this spike is due to individuals not following guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
Newaygo and Oceana Counties fall under the jurisdictions of DHD#10.
"As of Sunday, Newaygo County has 106 confirmed cases and Oceana County has 85. Those are the highest number of cases out of DHD10's 10 county jurisdiction," said Newaygo County Emergency Services in a statement sent Monday morning. "According to the health department, many of these cases are due to families getting together where asymptomatic individuals unknowingly spread the virus to family members and then to coworkers."
DHD#10 says that while many business and people in the two counties have followed CDC guidelines, many have also chosen not to adhere to those same guidelines.
“We understand the frustration that business owners express as they are doing everything right to keep their facilities disinfected and their employees safe,” said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We can’t say enough just how important it is for everyone to please do your part to not only protect you and your family, but to protect others.”
DHD#10 reiterated the fact that people who have the virus can be asymptomatic but can still spread it to others.
"Officials are looking for a downward trajectory of cases and a downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14 day period. Unfortunately, Newaygo County has seen a significant upward trajectory of positive tests over the 14 day period," the statement reads.
"On May 1, 2020, Newaygo County had 24 positive cases. In the last 14 days, there has been an increase of 64 new cases bringing the total lab confirmed cases to 106 total. Newaygo County is running approximately 58 COVID-19 tests daily. 5.1% of tests are coming back positive (as of May 29, 2020)."
To help decrease the number of cases in the counties, DHD#10 recommends that residents follow CDC guidelines. More information about coronavirus in DHD#10 can be found here.
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