As of Wednesday, 8-11-21, the CDC has updated the COVID-19 transmission level in both Barry and Eaton counties to "high", an increase from the previous level of "substantial". 

With this new level of COVID-19 spread, Barry Eaton District Health Department and CDC recommend that all individuals wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, individuals who have been exposed to an individual known or suspected of having COVID-19 should be tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after exposure, regardless of vaccination status.

Both Eaton and Barry counties are now classified at the high community transmission level. Eaton County has a case rate of 112.45 cases per 100,000 persons (7-day average timeframe is 8/3/21 to 8/9/21) and a test positivity rate of 6.49% and is classified as high as of today. The number of new cases identified this week was 124, which represents an increase of 210% over the previous week.

Barry County has a case rate of 112.1 cases per 100,000 persons (8/3/21 to 8/9/21) and a test positivity rate of 10.42% and is classified as high as of today. The number of new cases identified this week was 69 cases, an increase of 92% over the previous week. Most counties neighboring the district have also met the substantial or high transmission threshold.

The level of positivity being seen indicates that we are likely not doing enough testing -- meaning that cases are being missed, and folks are spreading COVID-19 without being aware that they are positive. 

Current vaccination levels vary across the health department district.  While some areas have fairly good vaccination coverage, other areas are lagging and are at higher risk.  BEDHD encourages anyone who is able to get vaccinated. Vaccination prevents hospitalization and death among those who have breakthrough cases. BEDHD offers walk-in vaccinations at both offices.