COVID Cases on the Rise in Jackson County

(July 2, 2020 10:49 AM)  The Jackson County Health Department is reporting a rise in COVID-19 cases linked to travel outside of Michigan.  The department says COVID-19 cases are increasing in most parts of the United States as a result of early reopening plans as well as individuals not following the recommended safety measures. 

Today, Rashmi Travis, Health Officer, Jackson County Health Department, urged residents to follow steps to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19 and to travel safely.

 Travis said, “In Jackson County, we are unfortunately seeing a sudden rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. A recent cluster of new cases was identified in our county due to travel outside of Michigan.”  Tracing indicated travel to states with increased cases including Florida and Tennessee.

The department issued a reminder to follow these guidelines:

·         If you must travel to one of the current high-risk states, PLEASE wear a facemask, wash your hands every 1-2 hours, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from people who are not in your household.

·         While traveling on an airplane, bus, van, or train which is a major high-risk activity because you are breathing air in a closed space, PLEASE wear your mask and avoid activities such as eating and drinking.

·         If you have traveled, be particularly careful to look out for even mild symptoms of COVID-19 such as fatigue, muscle aches, low-grade fever, or runny nose. Get yourself tested if you experience any of these symptoms and do not shrug them off thinking it is jet lag or the result of a long drive.

To protect yourself and your friends and family, review the travel safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control.  You can also check the internet for the most recent graphs of the place that you are visiting to learn how coronavirus has been spreading there in the past 7 days. The health department suggests postponing a previously planned trip until COVID-19 numbers start to come down again.

Some states and local governments are requiring people to stay home for 14 days after traveling and some employers have implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine after returning home from a hot spot.

Travis issued a comparison of COVID-19 positive numbers in Jackson County before and after Memorial Day and the start of summer activities. 

 The numbers on May 1 are included as a comparison before any holidays or parties occurred for Memorial Day celebrations and before any spring or summer activities began to give an indication of spread in Jackson County.  Since May 1, the number of positive cases has increased by 132.  In addition to the out-of-state travel, the department believes holiday get-togethers, graduation parties, and summer group activities may contribute toward new cases.

 Travis urged residents, “Help keep our numbers low in Jackson County! Travel only if necessary and protect yourself if you must travel!  If you have any questions, please call (517) 788-4420, Option 9.  Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives. Thank you for all you are doing to stop the spread.  We are all in this together.”

The health department reminds residents to follow the recommended safety measures of social distancing and wearing masks when out and about in their community. 

For more information, visit the Jackson County Health Department webpage located at www.mijackson.org/hd.  Additional information on prevention can be found at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus  or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.