News Flash

Washtenaw County is currently at a "medium" COVID-19 community level. 

At this level, there is no longer a broad recommendation to wear a mask in indoor public locations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At all levels, people can wear a mask based on preference or increased risk for themselves or others. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. If choosing to wear a mask, a multilayer, surgical, KN95, or N95 mask is recommended rather than a cloth mask. 

Masking can provide a beneficial layer of protection, and it is still recommended for individuals at higher risk of severe illness. A multilayer surgical, KN95, or N95 mask is recommended rather than a cloth mask. Anyone who lives with or has social contact with someone at high risk for severe illness should consider additional protective strategies, including masking indoors in public settings and regular testing.

Everyone is encouraged to use available, effective strategies to prevent and reduce the spread of illness in our community, including:  

• Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations (https://vaccinefinder.org).
  • Everyone 5+ should get vaccinated.
  • Protection can weaken over time after getting vaccinated. Everyone 12+ should get a booster dose when eligible (www.washtenaw.org/covid19vaccine). 
• Seek testing if feeling ill or if you have been exposed. 
• Stay away from others if you are feeling ill or recently exposed, waiting for test results, or have tested positive (www.washtenaw.org/covid19whattodo). If you test positive, talk to your doctor right away about treatment options to prevent severe illness.
• Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.

Additionally, we recommend everyone be prepared: make sure you have high quality masks on hand and know how to get at-home tests. If you test positive for COVID-19, speak with your healthcare provider about treatment options right away. Those who are at higher risk may also choose to purchase a pulse oximeter to monitor their oxygen levels in case they become ill with COVID-19. You may also choose to take increased precautions if you live with or are frequently around someone who is high risk.

Please remember that COVID-19 is still present and will be part of our lives for a while, perhaps even indefinitely. Additional surges are possible and recommendations regarding prevention strategies may change as conditions evolve or in the event that Washtenaw County moves to a higher COVID-19 Community Level. Please be prepared to take measures in the future to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Learn more about community levels and prevention recommendations here. 

To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 information in Washtenaw County, follow us on social media or sign up for our email updates.

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