In collaboration with the Western U.P. Health Department and Emergency Operation Centers in Baraga County, Gogebic County, Houghton County, Keweenaw County and Ontonagon County, Copper Country Strong Briefs will be shared regularly through the duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Currently, they are released on Mondays and Thursdays. 

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UPDATE FROM WESTERN U.P. HEALTH DEPARTMENT

UPDATED NUMBERS FOR MARCH 22

The previous update was Thursday, March 18. All numbers below are in comparison to that update. 

• TOTAL: 38 more positives, 2 more probable positives, 44 more recoveries and 19.60% fully vaccinated (up from 19.11% -- meaning 268 more people)
• BARAGA COUNTY:  1 less positive and 21.03% fully vaccinated (up from 20.95%)
• GOGEBIC COUNTY: 4 more positives, 2 more probable positives, 7 more recoveries and 18.83% fully vaccinated (up from 18.01%)
• HOUGHTON COUNTY: 30 more positives, 31 more recoveries and 18.21% fully vaccinated (up from 17.69%)
• KEWEENAW COUNTY: 1 more positives, 4 more recovery and 22.82% fully vaccinated (up from 22.60%)
• ONTONAGON COUNTY: 4 more positives, 2 more recoveries and 26.50% fully vaccinated (up from 26.30%)

Featured FAQ

Michigan residents understandably have questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine. Click here the full list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers (PDF).

Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine protect against new variants? 

All three variants of concern are thought to have a higher rate of transmission than the SARS-CoV2 that has been circulating across the U.S. for months. This is concerning because more cases of COVID-19 would increase the number of people who need clinical care. Vaccination remains an important tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, in addition to other protective actions like mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing. Studies about the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants are ongoing.

• B.1.1.7: There is little indication that B.1.1.7 exhibits any changes in the virus that would impact the effectiveness of current vaccines. B.1.1.7 has been identified in Michigan.
• B.1.351: Less is known about the B.1.351 variant at this time. B.1.351: Less is known about the B.1.351 variant at this time. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine was tested in South Africa where the B.1.351 variant was spreading rampantly, and the vaccine offered some protection against the virus. Additional studies are needed to fully understand potential impacts of the variant strain on vaccine efficacy. The first case of B.1.351 in Michigan was identified March 8, 2021.
• P.1: There is evidence to suggest that some of the mutations in the P.1 variant may affect the ability of antibodies (from natural infection or vaccination) to recognize and neutralize the virus, but additional studies are needed. P.1 has not been identified in Michigan. 

Variants of concern are being closely investigated and additional studies are ongoing. Continuation of public health strategies such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine are essential to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and protect the public.

This was featured in the latest Spread Hope, Not Covid newsletter. View and subscribe to the newsletter here. 

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If you have an update you would like included in this daily brief, please contact the appropriate county or the health department. Contact information can be found at coppercountrystrong.com/contact. 

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