October 14, 2021
from Health Department of Northwest Michigan COVID-19 Update
According to a recently published report titled, MI COVID Response Data and Modeling Update, each day in Michigan more than 375 children under age 12 become infected with COVID-19. Approximately 30 pediatric patients are hospitalized every day, and half have no known underlying health conditions. K-12 schools in Michigan have reported 364 outbreaks and clusters, with 104 schools impacted by lost school time from illness or quarantine since September 27, 2021.
Authored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), this new report includes statewide and regional statistics on the impact of COVID-19 on the younger population. The health department continually monitors local data and risk factors for COVID-19 to protect the health of all residents.
“It is sobering to read that even one child has been directly impacted by COVID-19,” said Dr. Josh Meyerson, Medical Director of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “The pandemic has impacted so much of their lives and it’s been going on for almost two years now…impacting their schooling, their family life, their free time, and especially their health,” he added about the report which was released October 5.
The 77-page report includes an overview of metrics for individuals 18 and younger across the state and regionally. The health department’s jurisdiction is located in the Traverse City region. It also cites case rate trends by pediatric age group and region, statewide hospitalization trends, the number of weekly reported outbreaks – with K-12 schools topping the list of 17 other categories by site type, including long term care and other assisted living settings. Information on school districts and mask policies (as of October 4) is also included.
Between Oct. 1-14, 2021, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan has reported the following:
- 932 total new cases (Antrim- 213; Charlevoix- 197; Emmet-263; Otsego-259) of COVID-19
- Age distribution:
- 0-12 years old- 83 new cases
- 13-19 years old- 144 new cases
- 20-29 years old- 104 new cases
- 30-39 years old- 130 new cases
- 40-49 years old- 105 new cases
- 50-59 years old- 128 new cases
- 60-69 years old- 103 new cases
- 70-79 years old- 80 new cases
- 80+ years old- 44 new cases
- Symptomatic – 68.6% of cases, Asymptomatic – 7.2% of cases, and unknown symptom status – 24.4% of cases
- Recovered – 387 new recovered
- Hospitalized – 4 new hospitalizations
One take-away from the report is that prevention measures in K-12 schools – such as vaccinations, correct and consistent use of well-fitted masks that cover the nose and mouth, physical distancing, screening and testing, and effective ventilation – are effective against transmission of the virus.
The health department recently created documents listing COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing sites in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties. Residents are urged to check the individual clinic sites listed for vaccine availability Moderna (age 18+), Pfizer (age 12+), and Johnson & Johnson (age 18+). Parent/guardian must accompany minors.
Booster shots are available if you received the Pfizer vaccine more than 6 months ago and are:
- Age 65+
- Resident or staff in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ and have underlying medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity
- Age 18+ and work in high-risk settings including healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store workers
Additional doses are recommended for immunocompromised individuals who have received their second dose Pfizer or Moderna at least 28 days ago.
The health department offers convenient COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all area residents and visitors 12 and older by appointment ahead of time. Parent consent is required for minors. Anyone may call 800-432-4121 if they have questions or are not able to find a time or date that works for them and/or their child. Clinics offer client choice of Pfizer, Moderna or J&J unless otherwise noted. Upcoming clinics for appointments only include:
Friday, October 15
- 8:15-11:35 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs. To schedule an appointment:Click Here
Monday, October 18
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 205 Grove St., Mancelona. To schedule an appointment:Click Here
Wednesday, October 20
- 8:15-11:35 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs. To schedule an appointment:Click Here
Thursday, October 21
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 95 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord. To schedule an appointment:Click Here
Friday, October 22
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield Ave., Charlevoix. To schedule an appointment:Click Here
The calendar on the website www.nwhealth.org lists clinics currently scheduled through November 30.
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.
