Wastewater tests show an increase in COVID infections in Macomb County, according to officials

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

Throughout the pandemic, the Macomb County Public Works Commission has been taking wastewater samples in parts of the county to test for COVID-19 in an effort to help track infections and virus outbreaks. Officials say this method of coronavirus testing more accurately shows the general infection in the community, as it “includes sampling waste spilled by people who are already infected but have not been tested. As some infected people wait test results (or don’t test them), sewer test data provide a faster and more comprehensive snapshot of the infection in the population, ”a press release said on Tuesday.

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

“The tests show the trend line of what comes a week before, it is a forerunner. Unfortunately, our evidence shows that COVID cases will continue to increase next week, ”said Candice Miller, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner.

Officials say the number of positive COVID-19 tests in Macomb County has risen 125% in the past two weeks and that residents have a “very high level of risk.”

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

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On Monday, Michigan reported 4,801 new cases of the virus and six deaths over the weekend. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan has risen to 629,612 as of 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 average seven-day death toll was 16 on Monday and has been flat for several weeks. The state also reports “active cases,” which were ranked Monday at 50,900. More than 562,000 have recovered in Michigan.

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

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