COVID cases surging in Manchester, MCS to remain in-person
In mid-February, Manchester (zip code 48158) had its first week since fall without a new case of COVID-19. The wave of cases that had filled hospitals across the state and killed thousands had seemingly come to end and Michigan had one of the lowest case rates in the country. Less than two months later, things have changed drastically. After that one week with no new cases, new cases began increasing steadily again. Last week Manchester had 20 new COVID-19 cases, hospital beds are filling, and Michigan now has the worst case rates in the country.
In response to the statewide outbreak, Governor Whitmer on Friday asked school officials to move high school classes online, for youth sports to shut down for two weeks and for residents to voluntarily avoid indoor dining and gathering indoors with others. These are recommendations, but not mandates. When asked, County Health Department spokesperson Susan Ringler-Cerniglia stated, “We are reviewing potential local actions now and definitely support the Governor’s recommendations.”
After three weeks with no new positive cases or quarantines leading up to last week, Manchester Community Schools, which just returned from spring break, reported two new positive cases in the high school and 34 new quarantines in the district, 24 of those in the high school and 18 announced on Friday, the day of the Governor’s recommendation for high schools to go virtual.
Manchester High School is not going fully virtual — at least not yet. Superintendent Brad Bezeau sent a letter to families on Friday stating that at this time the high school is remaining in-person for in-person students but that the district is continuing to monitor any additional positive or quarantine cases and will alert students and the community if they decide to move to exclusive Remote Learning.
When asked about sports, Dr. Bezeau stated, “We will continue to work with our athletic department and our athletic conference partners in determining a continuation of spring sports”. He added, “The Michigan High School Athletic Association did update the state and their participating members with information stating that they would continue participating with the required COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for all student-athletes and continue to monitor the positive and close contact cases as well.”
Following on the heels of the Governor’s recommendations on closing restaurant dining rooms, Over the Edge Sports Bar & Pizzeria announced on Saturday that they were notified that morning as being “a close contact to individuals whom have tested positive for Covid-19” and that they are closing down to perform a major cleaning per CDC and Washtenaw County health guidelines and plan to reopen on Thursday April 22. They also stated that patrons who dined-in on Wednesday, April 7th, Thursday, April 8th, or Friday April 9th may have been exposed. They concluded by thanking everyone for their support in these times.
Frank’s Place announced on Sunday that due to the recent surge in positive Covid cases in the state and our community, they are closing down their dining room through April 25 but will still be doing takeout and curbside service. They stated that their mission as a restaurant is to have quality food, service, and high safety standards, and that patrons must wear masks to enter Frank’s Place. They ask that if you do not have a mask when you come to pick-up food, just call and they will bring your food to your car. At of the time of publication, no other Manchester area restaurants have announced modifications to their serving plans.
What is causing this new wave of cases? “There are multiple reasons for the surge in cases,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with county health department. “It is likely that the B117 variant is now circulating widely, and many previously restricted activities have resumed. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the results.”
The health department continued, “Widespread vaccines will eventually help us end the pandemic. We are not there yet. We must keep using all of our available tools to prevent and reduce the spread of illness and protect everyone’s health as much as possible. No measures are 100% effective on their own, and layering up prevention strategies provides the best protection.” As of last week, in Washtenaw County 43.2% of residents 16+ years old and 81.9% of residents 65+ years old have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The health department continues to recommend wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands often, avoiding crowds and gatherings, and following isolation or quarantine guidance if needed. They also state, “Even if you’re fully vaccinated – please continue to wear a mask and social distance in public.”
4-12-2021 12:45pm Editors note: This article was updated with information from Dr. Bezeau regarding sports.
While not to our early December peak of 35 cases/week, Manchester is experiencing a second wave of positive cases.
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