COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The latest information from the Centers for Disease Control shows for the period between August 3 and this past Monday, Branch County and neighboring counties are in the high category for community transmission of COVID-19.
The Delta variant continues to be blamed by health officials for the surge of cases since the middle of July.
Health Officer Rebecca Burns from the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency told the Branch County Board of Commissioners Tuesday there are two camps right now.
The latest statistics from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show 64 percent of state residents 16 and over have gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Just under 45 percent in Branch County have gotten at least one dose with about 41 percent being fully vaccinated.
Burns says the health agency is recommending to local schools they follow the C.D.C. guidance for this year.
Even though the vaccine has been called safe, some are refusing to take it while others are fearful about possible side effects. Burns says they are having a tough time changing minds.
New cases in Branch County have gone up over the last three weeks. The Community Health Agency reported 95 new COVID-19 cases in Branch County between August 1 and 7 including 39 that were reported last Friday. There were 77 new cases reported between July 25 and 31 and 68 new cases between July 18 and 24.
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