May 3, 2022 – Health Department of Northwest Michigan COVID-19 update
The summer months offer many benefits in northwest Michigan – including a drop in virus transmissions, such as COVID-19. As residents resume small and large gatherings, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is offering a checklist to help plan for safe summer celebrations.
“Just like planning what to pack when traveling or what to carry into a festival or concert, the health department is sharing our at-a-glance checklist for staying safe this summer,” said Dan Thorell, HDNW Interim Health Officer. “In addition to having a great time with friends and family at the event, we want to make sure you’re able to enjoy healthy summer days following the celebrations.”
- Consider the number of COVID-19 cases and vaccinated people in your community or the community you are visiting. Check the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker when making decisions on travel and attending events.
- Review and update your vaccination status to ensure you’re current with the recommended COVID-19 vaccines. HDNW continues to offer free vaccines at its clinics and extends clinic hours as needed to meet public needs.
- While there is no longer a federal order requiring masks while using public transportation, the CDC recommends that people wear masks while using public modes of transportation.
- If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and you opt to travel, get tested before and after the trip.
- Continue to practice thorough hand washing and use of hand sanitizer while traveling and attending group gatherings.
- Avoid group gatherings if you are ill and get tested.
“While deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 are currently low in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties, clusters of the BA.2 variant continue to appear in higher populations of people that interact indoors,” said Dr. Joshua Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the Test and Treat option that’s helping minimize the personal impacts of the virus.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering a new tool for Michigan residents and healthcare providers to help locate COVID-19 treatments across the state. Users may search to find locations where oral treatments are available for those who qualify.
Retail chain pharmacies that have oral antivirals in stock include Meijer, Walgreens, Rite-Aid and CVS, in addition to select independent pharmacy locations. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you test positive, as you must present a prescription from a physician or advanced practice clinician to pick up medication at a pharmacy.
Stay up to date on the latest information in the Health Department of Northwest Michigan jurisdiction by liking and following our Facebook page and visiting our COVID-19 Data Dashboard. To locate a testing facility, visit the Michigan COVID-19 Test Finder website. To track the risk levels of COVID-19 pandemic indicators, visit the MI Safe Start Map website. For more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the MDHHS vaccine website or the CDC vaccine website.
