Jackson County Health Department Weekly Update for August 13, 2021

(August 13, 2021 10:27 AM)  The Jackson County Health Department has released the weekly update for August 13, 2021:

The Delta Variant has been confirmed in Jackson County but this should not be surprising as it has been active in the State of Michigan for several weeks.  We know it has become the dominant strain of concern.  However, our vaccine rates continue to go up and the vaccine has been proven to be effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations for even this highly contagious strain. There are plenty of opportunities for people to get their COVID vaccine in numerous sites around the county.  Minors 12 years of age and older, and teens, are encouraged to get their vaccine in preparation for school.  To everyone who has received their complete series of vaccines, we applaud your efforts in doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.  Thank you!  In addition, the use of masks provides an additional layer of protection for both vaccinated and unvaccinated.

A variant is a mutation in a virus, which can affect how quickly it can be transmitted, symptoms that occur, the severity of any illness it may cause, and how vaccines will react to it.    The COVID-19 virus has many types of variants.   Delta is the variant of concern on a national level as well as in Michigan and in our community because it causes more infections and spreads faster.  Delta can also cause breakthrough infections and allow vaccinated people to spread it without realizing they are positive for it.  The most important things to remember about a variant are the following as stated on the CDC webpage:

1. Variants are expected. The best way to slow the emergence of new variants is to reduce the spread of infection by taking measures to protect yourself including getting a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
2. Vaccines keep you from getting sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.
3. All COVID-19 tests can detect all variants, but they will not tell you which variant you have.

The CDC is recommending the use of masks for everyone whether they have received their COVID vaccine or not when indoors or in public settings where social distance (6 feet) cannot be maintained in order to reduce the transmission of the COVID virus and to reduce breakthrough infections.  In addition, people with immunocompromised (weakened) immune systems can benefit from the use of masks by reducing exposure to not only the COVID virus but also other viruses, which are present in the community such as influenza or the common cold. Be respectful of others who are wearing masks as they are protecting themselves and their loved ones.

To be prepared, it is a good idea and practice to begin carrying a mask with you wherever you go, just in case you may have to use it.  The phrase, “Bring it, Wear it” should stick with you at all times. If travel plans using public transport are in your future, check the domestic travel and / or international travel guidelines to see what you need to do in order to travel safely and securely without any surprises.

The CDC and the State of Michigan are monitoring the COVID situation closely.   According to the CDC COVID-19 Tracking System, Jackson County has a high level of community transmission area as of today, August 12, based on the previous 7-day period.  It is important for anyone traveling to be aware of the level of COVID activity in regions where they may be visiting.  Plan ahead and find out what the expectations are in areas where you will be visiting so you are not surprised.  Some areas are implementing mandatory masking while other areas are leaving it up to individual businesses.  Be prepared and carry a mask with you wherever you go.  The main goal is to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. You can minimize your risk of getting COVID by doing the following:

• Get a vaccine.
• Frequently wash your hands
• Wear a mask if you are in tightly enclosed places or within 6 feet of others
• Check out rates of transmission in areas you may be traveling to
• Get tested if you are exposed to COVID or if you experience symptoms (see attached Exposure Guideline)
• Stay home if you are feeling well (this means no visitors, no quick stops, no drive thru, etc.)

Check out the Jackson County Health Department webpage for the daily number of cases in the county.  It is updated Monday-Friday by 12 noon.  On Mondays, a county map is uploaded to show areas where COVID cases have increased throughout the county.  An Epicurve graph provides some historical data and shows the peaks and lulls of COVID infections in Jackson County.

The Jackson County Health Department is currently meeting with schools/superintendents as they prepare for the new school year.  The school districts are trying to be respective of students, parents, and staff while at the same time following specific laws and regulations that are already in place and have to be followed for communicable diseases.  With a communicable disease as widely scattered as the COVID virus, precautions are being recommended by both the CDC (Federal Level) and the State of Michigan. The health department is working to provide support and guidance with questions regarding how to comply with regulations and recommendations while providing a safe and secure learning and working environment for students and staff. 

The Michigan Covid Tracker is monitoring progress toward the state goal of 70% on 1st dose COVID19 vaccinations (1 shot) provided to the 16+ age group in the State of Michigan.  In Michigan, we are currently at 64.3% as of 8/10/2021 for ages 16 and up. At the National level, we are at our goal of 71.3% with at least one shot for all adults aged 18 and over and 69.1% of the population aged 12 and over. For the fully vaccinated, 60.6% of the population are 18 and over, and 58.9% of the population are aged 12 and over.  It should be noted on the National Covid Tracker page that the community transmission across the United States is still considered High.

Vaccine Opportunities 

Vaccine opportunities in the Jackson County area and location information can be found on the VaccineFinder webpage. Minors aged 12–17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine with parent permission.  

Homebound individuals who are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact Disability Connections at (517) 998-3084, Region 2 Area on Aging at (517) 592-1976 or the Jackson County Department on Aging at (517) 788-4364.   

Jackson County Health Department Updates  

All Clinics are open to in-person services.  Some clinics require an appointment, so please check the website or call ahead to verify if you need an appointment for the service you are seeking.

Masks are required regardless of vaccination status in small office areas and exam rooms. (Please remember to bring your own or you will be provided with one.)

This is done in order to protect our immunocompromised clients such as children or other vulnerable populations who may be at high risk of infection.

If you still need your COVID-19 vaccine, you can come to the immunization clinic and get your vaccine of choice! Call and make an appointment at (517) 768-4468.

If you are EXPERIENCING ANY UPPER RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (COUGH, DIFFICULTY BREATHING, ETC) OR FEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU RESCHEDULE ANY APPOINTMENT YOU HAVE scheduled.  If necessary, you may want to schedule an appointment with your physician or call 911, if it becomes life-threatening.

Data  

Jackson County Health Department reports the following data as of August 10, 2021. This information is also available on the Michigan Vaccine Dashboard which is updated on Tuesdays and Fridays each week by 3:00 p.m. Data now reflects the addition of the 12-15 year-olds. 

COVID case numbers in Jackson County compared to the State of Michigan*: 

*Data as of August 11, 2021

**Recovered = alive 30 days after onset date (if onset date is missing, then referral date). This calculation is using the Patient Status variable to distinguish alive vs deceased.  

Additional Resources  

Jackson County Health Department Webpage 

State of Michigan Vaccination and Prioritization Strategy https://www.mistartmap.info/about 

Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Information Page 

JCHD COVID Information phone line – (517) 817-4469