Coronavirus cases jump 172% in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego county region

There were 389 reported cases of COVID-19 in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties from April 26 through May 10, according to the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

While the severity of illnesses continues to be significantly less than before vaccines were introduced, the uptick represents a 172% increase compared to the 14 days prior. 

Antrim County ranks as medium/yellow in transmission of COVID-19. The remainder of the health department’s service area — Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties — rank low/green. The rankings are how the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report fluctuations in COVID-19 transmissions. 

“The local case counts follow the expected trend, as global and national trends show the continued spread of omicron BA.2,” said Dr. Joshua Meyerson, medical director for the health department, in a statement. “The trend includes an acceleration in cases in older school-age children and at long-term care facilities, both representing groups that congregate indoors.” 

For residents living in and traveling into Antrim County, the CDC recommends staying up to date on the COVID-19 vaccines, and to wear a mask if symptoms present, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or if you are at high risk for severe illness. 

“Although community levels in Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties remain low, these levels vary, and it’s important to continue to use the available tools to combat COVID-19,” said Dan Thorell, interim health officer. “These tools include staying current on COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if you have symptoms.”  

Modeling estimates from the Commonwealth Fund estimated that COVID-19 vaccines have prevented more than 2 million deaths, 17 million hospitalizations, 66 million infections, and saved almost $900 billion (about $2,800 per person in the U.S.) in health care costs. 

To schedule a vaccine, call (800) 432-4121 or visit the health department's website.

Separately, Grand Traverse County has been placed in a high COVID-19 level, according to the CDC. Residents there should wear masks while indoors and in public and while on public transportation, and those at high-risk of severe disease should consider taking additional precautions, the CDC suggested.

Case Count

As of May 10, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan reported Otsego County had 5,757 COVID-19 cases and 101 deaths from the disease. As of May 3, Otsego County had 5,693 cases and 100 deaths.

Antrim County was reporting 4,449 cases and 66 deaths while Charlevoix County had 4,996 cases and 60 deaths. Emmet County had 6,574 cases and 87 deaths. 

On May 3, Antrim County was reporting 4,401 cases and 65 deaths while Charlevoix County had 4,959 cases and 60 deaths. Emmet County had 6,484 cases and 86 deaths. 

Statewide, Michigan had 2,472,596 confirmed and probable cases and 36,140 deaths as of Wednesday, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. 

The state was reporting 2,444,891 cases and 36,064 deaths on May 4.