Manchester has first week with no new COVID-19 cases since October

The Manchester area (zip code 48158) had its first week since mid-October with no new reported cases of COVID-19. The Washtenaw County Health Department confirmed that our last positive cases were reported on February 9th, 2021.

Washtenaw as a county, experienced a first wave early last spring when COVID-19 first reached Michigan. Manchester didn’t experience this first wave, and while there were a few positive cases over the summer, we had four weeks in early fall with no new positive cases. These low numbers came to an end with the holiday season, giving Manchester its first real wave of infections.

Now, in Manchester our numbers appear to have bottomed out again but in the county overall, while numbers have decreased from their highest point, they are still holding steady. This seems to be due to an outbreak at the University of Michigan. On Friday, the University stated on its COVID-19 data page, “U-M COVID-19 case counts have plateaued in an elevated state, while Washtenaw County cases continue to trend downward resulting in U-M representing a larger percentage of the cases.”

Also at play is the B.1.1.7. variant from the U.K., which has a higher rate of transmission. While not known to be more severe, just its increased ability to be transmitted could increase cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The variant was first detected in Michigan in Washtenaw County on January 16, 2021 associated with the U of M campus. As of February 17, Washtenaw has had 39 cases of the variant.

Michigan, as a state, is doing well compared to the rest of the United States. According to Bridge Michigan, Michigan is now averaging 12 new daily cases per 100,000 people while the national rate is 29 new daily cases per 100,000. Only North Dakota has a lower rate.

Remember, even with lower case numbers, there is a possibility the virus may be present when you are in public places. Everyone should continue to use all recommended prevention measures when out in public or gathering with others not living in the same house (face coverings, distance, hand cleaning).

Washtenaw’s new positive cases. Graph from Washtenaw County Health Department.

Manchester’s new positive cases. Graph made with data from Washtenaw County Health Department.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.