WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. - The Wayne County Health Department is again recommending residents-including vaccinated residents- wear masks in public indoor spaces to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, especially with cases of the Delta variant on the increase.

Wayne County, excluding Detroit, has experienced a 60-percent increase in COVID cases over the last two weeks. At present, at least 17 cases of the Delta variant have been reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for Wayne County. The county has a positivity rate of 5.2 percent.

"We cannot afford to let our guard down against COVID," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "We don't have community protection against the virus because too many residents remain unvaccinated. With the emergence of the highly-contagious Delta variant, wearing masks indoors again is necessary to keep people safe, especially children and individuals who are medically unable to get vaccinated."

The Wayne County Health Department also recommends residents continue social distancing and personal hygiene measures, such as hand-washing and staying home when feeling sick, to reduce virus transmission.

County public health officials daily monitor total COVID-19 case levels, positivity rates, and available hospital capacity to determine whether to issue preventative health measures. While COVID-19 cases are on the rise, hospital bed capacities remain at pre-pandemic normal levels across the county.

"Masks and social distancing will help slow COVID, but the best long-term strategy to ensure personal and community protection remains vaccination," said Executive Evans. "The vaccines are safe and effective, especially against cases that lead to hospitalization and death. They are also available from Wayne County and most major pharmacies at no cost. Nothing is more important than your health, so I encourage residents to get vaccinated today."

Wayne County residents can call 1-866-610-3885 or schedule a vaccine appointment. Vaccines are available to residents 12 and older for no cost. No-cost rides and home-bound vaccination appointment are also available for residents with mobility challenges. More information about vaccine opportunities can be found at waynecounty.com/covid19.

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