Public Health Advisory
Concerning Trend in COVID-19 Case Investigation Data
On June 1, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-110, which lifted the Stay at Home order in Michigan. This order moved Region 7, which includes Lenawee County, into phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. The movement to phase 4 paved the way for more businesses to open and allowed us to engage in gatherings of up to 10 indoors and up to 100 outdoors, while maintaining 6 feet of physical distance.
Unfortunately, 26 days later concerning trends are emerging in COVID-19 case investigation data for Lenawee County. Many of the recent cases in the month of June have recent travel history or history of attending a gathering, or are the close contact of someone who has traveled or attended a gathering. At least one of these close contacts is the resident of a long-term care facility.
The chart below provides information regarding the number of new cases weekly in Lenawee County, as well as the weekly percentage increase in cases for the last 6 weeks.
| 5/18-5/24 | 5/25-5/31 | 6/1-6/7 | 6/8-6/14 | 6/15-6/21 | 6/22-6/28 |
| New Cases | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 12 |
| % Increase | 7% | 5% | 3% | 3% | <1% | 7% |
Information at mistartmap.info shows the 7-day average for new cases per million population for Lenawee County increased from 1.5 cases per million on June 20, 2020 to 20.3 new cases per million on June 27, 2020. The new case rate for Lenawee County is now classified as medium-high risk, rather than low risk.
Many states throughout the United States are seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations; we do not want to see this trend in Lenawee County. If we are going to control this virus until there is an effective treatment or a vaccine, it will take this community choosing to sacrifice some personal freedom in the short-term, so we might all see a return to some sense of normal in the future. Both traveling and gathering with others comes with risk, especially if face coverings are not worn and 6 feet of distance is not maintained.
If you are not concerned with contracting the virus, then please be concerned for family and loved ones who may be more seriously impacted by the virus. Consider the fact that our children need to return to school in the Fall and a resurgence in the virus could jeopardize that plan to move forward.
As we approach the holiday weekend, please be mindful of these very simple prevention strategies that are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus in our community:
- Avoid crowds and gatherings where you are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance from others not of your household. It is best to gather outdoors and keep gatherings small to allow for physical distancing.
- Lead by example, always wearing a face covering when you are out in public and expect your family members to do the same. The face covering protects others by keeping your respiratory droplets contained. It is possible to spread the virus and not have symptoms.
- Choose wisely when entering enclosed public places, consider leaving if others are not wearing a face covering.
- Continue to use grocery pick-up and delivery services to avoid additional contact with others.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are sick.
At the end of the day, it is up to all of us to do the right thing. If we continue to disregard advice intended to protect the health and safety of our community, we will see increasing numbers of cases and likely additional deaths.