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While the Delta variant has been identified in several counties in Michigan, the highly transmissible strain of COVID-19 has yet to be identified in the four-county jurisdiction of the Northwest Michigan Department of Health.
However, health officials are still urging those who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated or take precautions to prevent the strain from quickly spreading in the region.
“The best protection against this strain is vaccination for yourself and those around you,” said Dr. Josh Meyerson, medical director of the Northwest Michigan Department of Health. “I predict that it (Delta variant) will become the prevalent strain in our region as it has in the rest of the country.
“While not identified in our four-county health department jurisdiction, I suspect and assume he is present at this time due to our increasing case rates and the presence of the Delta strain in surrounding communities over the past two weeks, ”Meyerson added.
Variant B.1.717.2, or Delta variant, has been identified as a variant of concern because it is much more transmissible than other strains seen so far and is expected to become the most prevalent strain as it continues to spread faster than ‘previously. those detected.
Although new cases of COVID-19 are currently low in the region, community-based transmission is still present and health officials expect cases to continue to occur with the potential for rapid spread and spread. epidemics, especially in unvaccinated areas.
On Thursday, the health department reported a total of 13 new cases of COVID-19 from Tuesday to Thursday. Three new cases were confirmed on Tuesday including two in County Antrim and one in Emmet County, while the four cases identified on Wednesday included three in Charlevoix County and one in Emmet County.
Six new cases were reported on Thursday, two each in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.
People with symptoms are encouraged to get tested quickly, isolate themselves from others until test results are known, and those exposed should quickly self-quarantine even if they are not sick.
The Northwestern Michigan Department of Health said the best way to reduce the potential spread is to continue promoting vaccination with one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Based on the available evidence, COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective against the Delta variant.
“It is normal for a virus to mutate and develop variant strains, and the more likely the COVID-19 virus is to circulate in a community, the more transmissible it is and can cause more serious illness,” Meyerson said. “This is why widespread community vaccination is essential.”
“We are already seeing an increase in cases and hospitalizations of the Delta variant, and we do not want this trend to continue and cause a large number of illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths.”
While the vaccine is not 100% effective against the Delta variant, all three COVID-19 vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – appear to be highly protective against the variant. The health department noted that area residents should all continue to take Delta Variant Precautions based on our personal risk of serious illness and the risks inherent in our business.
Currently, the Northwestern Michigan Department of Health is urging individuals to continue taking precautions against COVID-19, especially as the new variants of the virus that cause COVID-19 continue to spread. These important precautions are:
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 when available and eligible. For Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, this means receiving both doses for the vaccine to be fully effective.
• Wear a mask around others if they are not vaccinated
• Stay six feet from others if you are not vaccinated.
• Wash your hands often
• Ventilate interior spaces
• Get tested if you are sick, exposed or after a trip
• Follow isolation or quarantine in case of illness, exposure or waiting for test results
The health department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all area residents and visitors aged 12 and over, either by appointment in advance or by walking.
For a complete list of available clinics, visit www.nwhealth.org.
Parental consent is required for minors. Individuals can also call (800) 432-4121 if they have questions or are unable to find a time or date that works for them and / or their child.
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