An individual with the Delta variant of COVID-19 was identified in Barry County on Monday, July 19. The individual was not vaccinated against COVID-19 and first tested positive on July 5th.
At this time, Barry-Eaton District Health Department is urging individuals to continue to take precautions against COVID-19, especially as new variants of the virus become more prevalent.
These precautions include:
-Get vaccinated for COVID-19 when available and eligible. For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, this means receiving both doses for the vaccine to be fully effective.
-Wear a mask around others if not vaccinated.
-Stay six feet apart from others if not vaccinated.
-Wash hands often.
-Ventilate indoor spaces.
The first Michigan case of the Delta variant was identified in Ottawa County in June. Several other cases have been identified in Michigan since the first case was announced. Only a small percentage of COVID-19 tests are sequenced to identify the variant strain. In addition, it takes additional time to perform the genetic sequencing. Therefore, it is likely that there are additional unidentified cases of the Delta variant in Barry County at this time.
BEDHD continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals who work or live in Eaton or Barry counties. Vaccines are available at either BEDHD location in Charlotte or Hastings, and mobile clinics are also offered at various locations throughout the district. Vaccinations can be scheduled online through the BEDHD website, but walk-ins are also available at this time.
