ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) has been notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) of three individuals identified with the delta variant (B.1.617.2) of COVID-19 in Allegan County.
Officials say all three individuals are over 60 years old and are fully vaccinated, and one case had recently traveled out of state.
The department adds that only a small percentage of COVID-19 positive test samples are sent on for genetic sequencing to identify any variant strains. Therefore, it is likely there are more unidentified cases of the delta variant in Allegan County.
“Vaccination is more important than ever,” Medical Director Richard Tooker said in a statement. “The COVID-19 vaccines show effectiveness against variants and reduce the risk of serious illness that lead to hospitalization or death.”
The department is urging residents to continue practicing mitigation strategies for protection against illness.
Those strategies include:
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine
- Wearing a mask around others in crowded indoor or outdoor areas
- Staying six feet apart from others
- Washing hands often
- Staying home when you feel ill. Get tested if you have symptoms
- Ventilating indoor spaces
COVID-19 vaccines are offered at locations throughout Allegan County. To find a vaccine clinic, readers can visit www.allegancounty.org/covid or www.vaccines.gov.
This news comes after the CDC is recommending that fully vaccinated residents continue to wear masks during indoor public situations.
For more information on that development, click here.
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