Case rates, test positivity and wastewater surveillance are all showing an increase in Ottawa County, and the State of Michigan is anticipating a COVID-19 surge as we head into May. Hospitalizations and deaths are not expected to reach numbers seen during previous COVID-19 surges, but now is a good time to think about how to prepare for the upcoming surge. Take a look at the information below and consider whether there are any steps you need to take.
How to plan for the next COVID-19 surge
 On April 21, 2022, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an announcement reminding residents to "make a COVID-19 plan" as cases are expected to continue to rise in Michigan, similar to other parts of the country, due to the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron. While cases may increase, hospitalizations and deaths are not expected to rise significantly due to immunity obtained through vaccination, boosters and infection from the recent Omicron surge. Michigan's residents are encouraged to be aware of the increased likelihood of transmission as they go about their daily lives, and make personal decisions on masking and other strategies to protect themselves from COVID-19. Michigan remains in the post surge recovery phase. If cases continue to rise or if circumstances change further, we will notify you.
- Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination
- Contact your health care provider now to learn about treatment options appropriate for you in case you become ill
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Isolate and quarantine if necessary
- Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms; free at-home test kits are available at covid.gov/tests/
- Take additional steps to protect yourself and others
- Get a free, KN95 mask at municipal locations and libraries around the county
COVID-19 Treatment Options
One of the hopeful aspects of this phase of the pandemic is that treatment options are becoming more accessible to patients who become ill with COVID-19. However, treatment must be started within the first few days of a positive test to be effective.
- If you test positive and are an older adult or someone who is at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, contact your health care provider right away after a positive test to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild.
- You can also visit a Test to Treat location and, if eligible, receive a prescription from a provider at that location.
- Follow CDC guidance on testing for COVID-19 and use the Test to Treat locator or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to find a testing location that can provide treatment if you test positive.
- Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within the first few days of when your symptoms started to be effective.
Expansion of 2nd Booster Dose for People Ages 50 and Older and Immunocompromised Individuals
 On March 29, 2022, the Food Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC) updated recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals age 12 and older and all people age 50 and over who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Separately and in addition, based on newly published data, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations, including those who are elderly or age 50 and over with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.
“CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans,” said Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, Director of the CDC.
Booster doses are available at local pharmacies and some health care providers. You can also schedule a clinic appointment at VaccinateWestMI.com. If you know someone who is homebound or cannot access a vaccine or booster dose, please call OCDPH at (616) 396-5266 so we can help.
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What is wastewater surveillance?
Wastewater surveillance has become an important tool in the early identification of a rise in COVID-19 cases. Look for an article about wastewater surveillance efforts in Ottawa County in our next bulletin. In the meantime, these graphics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health give a great overview of how wastewater is being used in communities around the country.
   
Ottawa County Data Hub
Ottawa County publishes recent COVID-19 data relating to community transmission, counts, descriptive statistics and test positivity. The data hub is updated every weekday from Monday - Friday by 4:00 pm. View Data Hub
Weekly COVID-19 Data Reports can be found on our COVID page.
Ottawa County Case Rates
 As of April 28, 34 new cases of COVID-19 were reported each day on average over the last 7 days, an increase from the 26 daily reported cases over the previous 7-day period. Test positivity has been increasing for the last three weeks, with almost 16% of tests coming back positive as of April 26. Trends in COVID-19 wastewater data from Holland and Zeeland are also showing recent increases. Because these reports do not include results in people tested with antigen test kits at home, true case counts may be underreported.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rates
 Source:
CDC COVID Tracker
CDC COVID-19 Community Levels
 Ottawa County is currently in the low COVID-19 Community Level.
Where to Find COVID-19 Vaccines
The OCDPH lists all of its COVID-19 vaccination clinics on VaccinateWestMi.com. Click on the calendar to find scheduling and walk-in opportunities in Ottawa County and the surrounding area.
- The Pfizer two-dose vaccine is available for individuals aged 5 years or older.
- The Moderna two-dose vaccine is available for individuals aged 18 years or older.
- The Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine is available for individuals aged 18 years or older.
- 1st boosters are recommended for anyone 12 years or older.
- 2nd boosters are now available for adults age 50 and older and some immunocompromised individuals.
- Proof of date of birth is required (driver’s license, state ID or birth certificate). Parental consent is required for minors. Find more details and requirements on each clinic's page.
- Bring your vaccination card with you if you're receiving a second dose or booster.
- Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens.
 The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) and Allegan County Transportation are offering free rides for residents to vaccination appointments. To schedule a trip, call MAX at 616-355-1010. LEARN MORE - Kent County Vaccine Transportation Access Information HERE.
COVID-19 Testing
Need Testing? No-Cost Community Sites. Rapid antigen testing for anyone with or without symptoms (parental consent required for minors). Samples are taken by nasal swab. Results within 15-30 min. No appointment needed • No doctor’s order needed • No insurance needed • No fee • Please bring a form of ID • No pets allowed • Wear a face covering. Find locations, dates and times at www.miOttawa.org/covid19
MDHHS Resources
Vaccine Information I MI Vaccine Locations I FAQs
More COVID-19 Vaccine Information Resources
VaccinateWestMi.com FAQs I Deaf & Hard of Hearing FAQ Videos
CDC COVID-19 FAQs Flyer I CDC FAQ Website
Alternative Languages: Arabic | Spanish | Korean | Russian | Simplified Chinese | Tagalog | Traditional Chinese | Vietnamese
Click to learn more from the CDC's COVID-19 Webinars and Partner Calls Videos
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) sent this weekly update to those who signed up for vaccine notifications or COVID-19 updates. You may also sign up to receive information about other news topics from Ottawa County Parks, Sheriff’s Office and more. See the end of this email to make any changes to your subscription preferences.
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