COVID-19 transmissions still increasing in Monroe County

Transmission of COVID-19 remains high in Monroe County.

There were 365 additional, confirmed cases of the virus in the county within a seven-day span ending Sunday, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That equates to a 22.48% rise in case rates, mirroring a consistent growing trend similar to spikes seen earlier this year and during fall last year. 

That increase is also marked by a spike in testing performed within the county. 

CDC data shows 2,342 COVID tests were performed last week, a 17.57% increase to a seven-day moving average. The positivity rate came in at about 9.99%, a decline of 1.66% to a previous seven-day average. 

Monroe County Health Department Director Kim Comerzan said the county is continuing on its path of increasing positive cases.

"COVID does continue to impact the county and we al need to continue the prevention strategies as recommended," she said.

Slight changes in positivity rates are normal when instances of testing increase, she added.

"... overall positivity is up when compared to a couple months or so ago," Comerzan said. "... We expect fluctuations especially when testing numbers go up or down also."

Nearly every county in Michigan has been ranked as having high transmission levels per CDC standards. The only county not to be at the health agency’s highest level is Sanillac County, which has a designation of substantial transmission, the second highest tier.

Per the CDC, almost every county in the country is in the midst of high transmission levels. Only a handful fall into substantial, moderate and low designations. 

A statement released last week from MCHD indicates the increase in transmissions are being driven by variant strains of COVID-19.

Concerns regarding mask policies and recommendations have prompted discussions from those in favor and against such requirements, especially early into the school year. 

“Monroe County continues to see an increase in cases, mostly due to the Delta variant. Many lessons have been learned along the way, including mitigation strategies to prevent transmission of the virus,” the health department said in a statement related to COVID-19 in schools. “These strategies take a layered approach in the K-12 school setting, such as staying home when ill, wearing masks, maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet, increased ventilation by opening windows and placing fans in classrooms to increase airflow, imposing testing strategies and vaccination.”

MCHD officials say vaccination is the leading health strategy to end the pandemic. 

On Monday, Pfizer indicated it would potentially seek approval for use of its vaccine among those ages 5 to 12, a population group that has not yet had access to immunizations against COVID-19. 

Reports point to rollout to that age group coming some time next month. 

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, responded to those reports via a statement made on her official social media pages. 

“Still need to review the data, but this would be big if our 5-11 (year olds) can #getvaccinated next month!” she said via Twitter.

According to CDC data, there are about 150,500 Monroe County residents. Nearly 75,500 have received at least one immunization dose, or roughly 50.2% of the overall population. 

Local vaccination rates have largely remained stagnant in recent weeks, according to MDHHS data. About 48.4% have completed all doses of a vaccination.

The county continues to trail the average vaccination rate statewide, which is 61.6%. 

The health department is holding an immunization clinic and medication take back event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at its office at 2353 S. Custer Rd. 

To schedule an appointment, call 734-240-7830. Walk-ins are also welcome.