Wastewater tests show rising COVID infections in Macomb County, officials say

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Analysis of sanitary sewage in Macomb County shows that COVID-19 infections in the area are high and likely to continue to increase, district officials report.

During the pandemic, the Macomb County Public Works Commission sampled sewage in parts of the county to test it for COVID-19 in an effort to detect virus infections and outbreaks. Officials say this method of coronavirus testing more accurately reflects the overall infection of the community because it “involves sampling waste deposited by individuals who are already infected but have not been tested. As some infected individuals await the test results – if at all. are not being tested – data from sewage testing provides a faster and more thorough snapshot of infection in the population, ”a press release reads Tuesday.

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According to the county, sewer samples recently tested in Clinton Township – where the program mainly operates – show that COVID infections are actually higher than what is currently reported, and are likely to continue to grow.

“Tests show the trend line of what’s coming a week earlier, it’s a precursor. Unfortunately, our tests show that COVID cases will continue to rise over the next week, ”said Candice Miller, Macomb County’s public works commissioner.

Officials say the number of positive COVID-19 tests in Macomb County has increased by 125 percent in the past two weeks and residents are at a “very high level of risk.”

Virus cases are on the rise in Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan. COVID-19 cases have increased in recent weeks.

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On Monday, Michigan reported 4,801 new virus cases and six deaths over the weekend. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan rose to 629,612 on Monday, including 15,903 deaths.

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily COVID cases was 2,719 Monday – the highest since early January. The death average over seven days was Monday 16 and has been flat for several weeks. The state is also reporting “active cases,” which were noted at 50,900 Monday. More than 562,000 have been restored in Michigan.

Michigan has more than reported 3.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as of Sunday, with 28.5% of residents receiving at least one dose.

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