COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – There has been an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks thanks in part to the spread of the variant Omicron BA.5.
BA.5 is said to be much more contagious than its predecessors and is able to circumvent existing immunity in many people.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency reports they are approaching 20,000 COVID-19 cases for the three counties they serve since the worldwide pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization in March of 2020.
There were 21 new cases reported in Branch County on Wednesday with 17 new cases reported in both Hillsdale and St. Joseph Counties.
Statistics from the State of Michigan show that there are six COVID-19 patients at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital with two in intensive care. There were no cases in the hospital last week.
Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall has four patients, while no patients are reported at Hillsdale Hospital or at Sturgis Hospital.
As for other nearby hospitals, there are seven patients at Bronson-Battle Creek Hospital, 21 at Bronson-Methodist Hospital with two at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo
Health Officer Rebecca Burns told the Agency’s Health Board on Thursday they are evaluating their self-help materials for schools, employers, and the public that are published on their website to update anything that is no longer accurate.
She added the COVID-19 vaccines are all being offered to anyone who requests them. Appointments can be scheduled on the agency’s website or by contacting their immunization department. Free testing continues at their offices one day a week as well.
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