Sewer tests show growing COVID infections in Macomb County, officials say

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The analysis of the sanitary sewers in Macomb County shows that the COVID-19 infections in the area are high and will probably continue to increase, county officials report.

During the pandemic, the Macomb County Public Works Commission collected wastewater from parts of the county to test for COVID-19 in an effort to help detect infections and outbreaks of the virus. Officials say that this method of testing for coronavirus more accurately describes the general community infection, as it “includes the sampling of waste dumped by people who are already infected but have not been tested. Because some infected people are waiting for the test results – or are not tested at all – the data from the wastewater testing provide a faster and more detailed snapshot of the infection in the population “, it is shown in a press release on Tuesday.

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According to the county, sewerage tests recently tested in Clinton Township – where the program works primarily – show that COVID infections are actually higher than currently reported and are likely to continue to grow.

“Testing shows the trend line of what follows a week before, it is a forerunner. Unfortunately, our tests show that COVID cases will continue to rise next week, “said Macomb County Commissioner for Public Works Candice Miller.

Officials say the number of positive COVID-19 tests in Macomb County has increased by 125% in the past two weeks and that 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 the last few weeks.

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

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily COVID cases was 2,719 months – the highest since early January. The average death of 7 days was 16 months and was paid for a few weeks. The state also reports “active cases”, which were listed on Monday at 50,900. More than 562,000 have recovered in Michigan.

Michigan reported more than 3.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered, as of Sunday, 28.5% of residents received at least one dose.

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