Ottawa County sees swelling in cases of coronavirus, but epidemiologists are’encouraged ‘by lower hospitalization rates

Ottawa County, Michigan – Health authorities have recently seen a surge in case numbers as the number of COVID-19 tests continues to increase, mainly due to lower hospitalization rates for cases across the county.

This week alone, health officials confirmed 73 new cases of coronavirus, accounting for one-fifth of all cases reported in Ottawa county since the first positive test was confirmed on March 15. ..

As of Friday, May 8, there were 353 confirmed cases of the virus in Ottawa County, the County Health Department reported. There are 17 deaths due to COVID-19.

Ottawa County has experienced 14 new cases and 0.85 new deaths daily each day for the past week. In the county one week ago, there were an average of 12 new cases per day and 0.42 new deaths per day.

Despite the increased number of cases, senior epidemiologist in Ottawa County, Deler Glashower, said he was encouraged by the lower overall hospitalization rates for county coronavirus cases.

About 9 percent of all current coronavirus cases were hospitalized across the county, according to data posted Thursday. This is about half the hospitalization rate reported by the county in the last few weeks.

MLive reported April 21 15% of coronavirus cases required hospitalization in Ottawa County. of one week before, That number was reported as 23%.

“The number of hospitals is a very important indicator. One of the goals of all preventive mechanisms was to ensure that acute care facilities and hospitals were not overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients,” Glashower says MLive Friday. I told him. “It’s really encouraging to see these low numbers.”

COVID-19 occurred at a life support facility last month in Ottawa County. Six residents of Sheldon Meadow Assist Living in Hudsonville were killed at COVID-19 and two staff were virus-positive, according to a news release issued by the County Department of Health on April 20.

The decline in hospitalization may indicate that preventive efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa County are working, especially in more vulnerable populations.

“The whole county has come together and is really working hard to protect the vulnerable population,” Glashower said. “In high-risk groups, such as long-term care facilities, there are many preventive activities that may protect people at high risk of being hospitalized for infection.

“I hope that the efforts we are making will help influence hospitalization rates by lowering hospitalization rates.”

According to epidemiologists, the lower hospitalization rate could also be due to increased inspections across the county.

According to Glashower, at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, many Ottawa County residents who were tested for COVID-19 were symptomatic inpatients who were already hospitalized and had an increasing number of hospitalizations. It was

Epidemiologists have also warned that due to the delay between testing and hospitalization, hospitalizations may “creep” again in the next few days and weeks. Due to case undulations in the past week, some people may be hospitalized when their symptoms progress.

“One of the features of COVID-19 is that your illness can get worse later,” he said. “Sometimes people start to get worse in the second week, so they can get sick and be hospitalized, and as a result, these numbers increase. Future hospitalizations may be delayed. “

Another data point that health authorities are paying attention to is the positive rate, or number of tests that test positive. Glashower said positive rates are a key indicator of many respiratory disorders.

“It’s a good indicator to give you an idea of ​​the prevalence of the community,” he said.

Ottawa County reported Thursday that 8% of the 2,900 tests were positive. Compared to the last three weeks, this rate is fairly stable compared to the previous week, which jumped between 6% and 11%.

For a safe resumption of the economy, Glashower said officials are generally looking at downtrends and stability.

The County Department of Health has been working with local businesses over the past week on the safe resumption of Ottawa County’s economy. Glashower spoke last week at a meeting at the West Coast Chamber of Commerce about how businesses will work with the healthcare sector at resumption.

“We want to make sure we give people a clear expectation of what they can expect if they file a lawsuit,” Glashower said.

“Prevention is very important, but in reality COVID-19 is a contagious disease, and as social distance measures roll back, there will be more opportunities for interactions that can increase infection. We want people to be prepared for something. “

See daily new COVID-19 case and death data for Ottawa County below.

Prevention tips

In addition to Wash your hands regularly and don’t touch your face, Authorities recommend practicing social distance, assuming that someone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should work from home more than 6 feet away from others when possible.

use Disinfectant wipes Or Disinfect spray cleaners on frequently touched surfaces At your home (door handle, faucet, countertop) and Carry a hand sanitizer with you When you go to a place like a store.

Governor Michigan Gretchen Whitmer also issued a presidential order requiring people to wear it Face covering that covers the mouth and nose While in the enclosed public space.

Read all MLive articles. Coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

For additional information, Michigan.gov/Coronavirus And CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

MLive details:

Epidemiology says Kent county coronavirus numbers could rise in the short term

As the number of cases of Muskegon County coronavirus continues to increase, health authorities are offering expanded testing

Friday, May 8: The Latest Trends in Michigan Coronaviruses