St. Clair County has had a recent spike in positive COVID-19 test results. | Adobe Stock
St. Clair County has had a recent spike in positive COVID-19 test results. | Adobe Stock
The St. Clair County Health Department recently issued a health advisory, outlining recommendations for residents and stating its intent to shift its focus in response to an increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases.
A Public Health Advisory from the department outlined the intent to focus efforts on case workups for those 18 and younger who had positive test results; contact tracing for locations such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools and congregate settings; and assistance to local businesses.
“Over the past few weeks, high numbers of new positive cases have been reported to the St. Clair County Health Department,” the statement reads. “Cases being identified all have numerous close contacts, making contact tracing efforts impossible to maintain.”
St. Clair County Medical Health Officer Dr. Annette Mercatante reminded residents that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ health orders regarding the coronavirus are still in effect.
“Masking is required in public places; social distancing is absolutely necessary; personal hygiene is important,” Mercatante said, according to the Public Health Advisory. “Stay home if you are sick. Stay away from social gatherings, large or small, if it is not your immediate family and masking and social distancing is not occurring.”
The health department also reminded those who have tested positive for COVID-19 to stay home and take precautions.
Anyone who has tested positive should isolate for ten days, though it's okay to return to normal activities if you have no fever or if symptoms improve. Additionally, someone who has received a positive test result should notify close contacts, and those close contacts should self-quarantine for two weeks from the time they had contact with the patient.
Those who have had contact should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they develop any symptoms.
Anyone with questions can call the county’s COVID-19 information hotline at 810-966-4163, email covid19@stclaircounty.org or visit the St. Clair County Health Department website.
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