West Michigan Close To Red Zone in Covid-19 Transmissions as Kent County Updates Mask Guidelines

As all of West Michigan has seen increasing Covid-19 numbers, Kent County has released updated guidelines to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and the Delta Variant of the disease.

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The updated CDC transmission map now has Kent, Muskegon, & Ottawa County in the 'orange' zone that indicates a 'Substantial' amount of community spread.

Neighboring Allegan County has been downgraded to the 'red' zone indicating 'High' community spread in that county.

You can check the status of your county with the CDC Covid-19 Data Tracker Website.

Shortly after the updated numbers were released, Kent County issued new Covid-19 guidance that includes:

• Getting vaccinated
• Wearing a mask or face covering in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status, especially now that the risk level has changed to substantial
• Practicing good handwashing hygiene
• Avoiding large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household
• Getting tested if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19

Dr. Adam London, Director of the Kent County Health Department says that vaccinations are the key in mitigation:

The vast majority of people who are becoming infected with COVID-19 in Kent County are unvaccinated...The vaccines that are available are effective, safe and available. They remain our best tool for ending this pandemic, so we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Safer Activities for You and Your Family via the CDC

• Friends and family grilling outside
• If you are fully vaccinated, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic.
• To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
• Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. If this applies to you or your household, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area.
• You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance.