COVID-19 cases on the rise in Ingham County
An MSU COVID-19 detection kit/ Photo Credit: MSU University Communications
March 31, 2021
INGHAM COUNTY – The coronavirus vaccine rollout is continuing throughout Ingham County as more and more citizens are becoming eligible to register for their appointments. However, there has been a recent spike in active cases and hospitalizations in the area.
Linda Vail , the chief health officer for Ingham County, gave a briefing on COVID-19 and the most recent developments with the vaccine and cases in the county.
Rising cases and hospitalizations
There are currently over 2,200 active COVID-19 cases in Ingham County.
“Over a hundred cases a day right now is not uncommon,” Vail said.
Hospitalizations are on the rise as well, with 117 COVID-19 patients in Ingham County hospitals. This total has not been reached since mid-January of 2021.
Percent positive rates for coronavirus testing are at their highest since late March of 2020. About 15% of COVID tests are coming back positive in Ingham County. In comparison, Washtenaw County’s positivity rate is just 2.2%, according to MI Safe Start.
“This number indicates that we are not testing enough,” Vail said. She added that when the percent positive rate reaches this point, there is a good chance that there are more COVID cases that are not getting tested and identified.
Vaccinations
Over 80,000 Ingham County residents have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of those residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, 32,170 are of the age 65 or older. That is just under 82% of all of the seniors that live in Ingham County.
The goal of the Ingham County health department is to have at least 70% of residents from the county vaccinated. So far, they are just about halfway to that goal.
As people from different demographics are able to register to get the vaccine, Vail hopes the 70% goal will be met and that a higher percentage threshold will be set.
“Ultimately, the goal is to be able to vaccinate down to six months,” Vail said. Vail mentioned that there are currently clinical trials going on to approve vaccinations to the younger age groups.
