St. Clair Today

The St. Clair County Health Department recently shifted its focus in response to the perceived threat associated with an increase in the number of people who are reportedly testing positive for COVID-19.

A recent Public Health Advisory from the department outlined its intent to focus efforts on doing workups on cases involving those 18 and younger; contact tracing for locations such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools and congregate settings; and assisting local businesses with issues related to the coronavirus.

“Over the past few weeks, high numbers of new positive cases have been reported to the St. Clair County Health Department,” the statement reads. “Cases being identified all have numerous close contacts, making contact tracing efforts impossible to maintain.”

St. Clair County Medical Health Officer Dr. Annette Mercatante reminded residents that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is still issuing guidance and health orders.

“Masking is required in public places; social distancing is absolutely necessary; personal hygiene is important,” Mercatante said, according to the St. Clair County Public Health Advisory. "Stay home if you are sick. Stay away from social gatherings, large or small, if it is not your immediate family and masking and social distancing is not occurring.”

The health department also reminded those who have tested positive for COVID-19 of advised behaviors.

Anyone who has tested positive should isolate for ten days, though they may return to normal activities if they have no fever or their symptoms improve. Additionally, they should notify close contacts, and those people should self-quarantine for two weeks from the time they had contact with the infected person. Those who have had contact should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they develop symptoms.

If you have further questions, call the county’s COVID-19 information hotline at 810-966-4163, email covid19@stclaircounty.org or visit the St. Clair County Health Department.