Monroe County COVID-19 transmission rate high; hospital near capacity
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge across Michigan, Monroe County is seeing a high transmission rate while the hospital is at near capacity.
The number of local cases being reported seems deceptively low with only 17 confirmed cases Wednesday after a five-day peak of 122 on Monday.
But Chris Westover, environmental health director at the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD), said the numbers reflect only the data that's being entered into the system and home testing results are not included.
"It is what we have to go by," he said. "I am quite sure that some could be missed."
Meanwhile, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital is almost full of patients as it has been for a while.
“Overall, the ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital census remains the same as it has been for the past weeks and months, ranging from 90-100% capacity," said Darrin Arquette, hospital president. "Most of our elective surgeries are occurring as initially scheduled, with a handful of elective inpatient cases being rescheduled when necessary to ensure bed availability and appropriate staffing levels."
The health department confirmed that the omicron variant has been detected in Monroe County. Michigan health officials reported earlier this week that four cases had been confirmed. Monroe Public Schools, citing high absentee numbers among staff, returned to remote learning through Jan. 14.
MCHD is working with state and local public health officials to carefully monitor the spread of omicron. The variant is spreading more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and experts caution that anyone with an omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
Vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. The recent emergence of omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters, health officials said.
Currently, Monroe County stands at about 50% of its population being fully vaccinated. Booster shots are recommended for everyone 16 years and older.
The MCHD reports that community transmission in Monroe County remains high with a positivity rate of 32.2% as of Wednesday. The largest demographic population of cases continues to be in the 20 to 29 age group.
To schedule a vaccination appointment at the health department, call 734-240-7830. The department is offering Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster doses by appointment. Bring your COVID-19 vaccine card with you to your scheduled appointment, along with proof of identification.
The health department is not conducting tests. For Monroe County locations where testing can be completed, go to the following website: tinyurl.com/MCCOVIDtests.
Westover said the health department has a staff member who works diligently to keep the testing sites updated, but things can change quickly.
ProMedica's Arquette said the staff members at the hospital remain dedicated.
"Despite enduring nearly two years of sustained pandemic activity, our staff members continue to demonstrate unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our community," he said. "Please remember to thank a health care worker when you see them.”
For more information
For additional questions regarding COVID-19, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline: 888-535-6136
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County COVID transmission rate high; hospital near capacity
