Joint Information Center
Thursday, May 12, 2022
As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2022, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 29,476 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 541 deaths attributed to the virus. Within the last 24 hours, 25 new confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported, and there are three people in Calhoun County hospitals for COVID-19.

Calhoun County Public Health Department is starting to see an upward trend with recent COVID-19 cases, but Calhoun County still remains in a “Post-Surge” recovery phase. This is based on the criteria from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) framework that takes into account current case rates and hospitalizations, and increased access to vaccines, testing, and therapies. Click here to learn more about COVID-19 cycles.
With cases on a steady rise, the Joint Information Center believes this is a good time to have a refresher on proper actions to take if you or someone you know is to test positive for COVID-19 and how to take precautions to avoid further spread of the virus.

Isolation
Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 and/or displays COVID-19 symptoms (without an alternate diagnosis or negative COVID-19 test) should isolate regardless of vaccination status:
  • Isolate at home for the first 5 days (starting with the day after symptoms began or day after test was taken for those without symptoms); and
  • If symptoms have improved or no symptoms developed, return to normal activities, while wearing a well-fitted mask, for the next 5 days to protect others.
AND
  • If the individual has a fever, stay home until fever free for a period of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to normal activities while wearing a well-fitted mask, until the 10-day period is complete.
OR
  • Isolate at home for 10 days if unwilling/unable to wear a mask.
 
After day 5 and you leave quarantine continue to Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public.

Your first day of symptoms is considered day 0 or test collection day.
 
Quarantine
The individual is exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 and:
 
Exposure is to a personal/household contact*:
  • Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days; and
  • Test at least one time if possible 3-7 days after exposure and if symptoms develop; and
  • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others (home quarantine is an alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to mask); and
  • Avoid unmasked activities or activities with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals** for 10 days from the date of last exposure

Exposure is to other type of contact (from a community, social or work setting):
  • Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days; and
  • Test if symptoms develop; and
  • Consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others. At a minimum, wear a mask in settings with a higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals

Positive Test Result
A positive self-test result means that the test detected the virus, and you are very likely infected. You do not need to get a PCR test to confirm this result, unless advised by your health care provider or public health personnel.
If no symptoms or you are feeling better after 5 days, you can stop isolating, but must wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional 5 days. Testing again at day 5 is recommended. If testing is positive, or you still have symptoms on day 5, continue to isolate for a total of 10 days.

Negative Test Result
A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you
may not have an infection, but it does not rule out infection. Repeating the test
within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, will increase the likelihood of an accurate result.
Who is considered a “CLOSE CONTACT”?
A close contact is someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. For example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes. People who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 after they completed at least 5 days of isolation are not considered close contacts.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order two sets of four free COVID-19 at-home tests. If you already ordered your first set, order a second today. Order your FREE At-Home Test Here. Generally, orders will take a week for delivery.
 
If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, are looking for another type of COVID-⁠19 test, or need more than four tests, the resources below are available.
  • At-home tests are widely available for sale around Calhoun County check with local retailers and pharmacies to see where at-home tests are available.
  • Testing sites are available throughout Calhoun County please visit solvhealth.com to find a location near you.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available through the Health Department you may schedule your appointment in Battle Creek and Albion Health Departments. Please call to schedule your appointment. Visit calhouncountymi.gov/covidvaccine for more information.
  • Battle Creek – 269-969-6363
  • Albion – 517-629-9434
Keep these steps in mind to continue protecting yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19.

  • COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing you from getting sick. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The Calhoun County Public Health Department offers COVID-19 at both our Battle Creek and Albion location visit calhouncountymi.gov/covidvaccine to learn more. Also, visit vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 close to you.
  • Everyone ages 2 years and older should properly wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public in areas where the COVID-19 Community Level is high, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Indoors in public: If you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, stay at least 6 feet away from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting very sick with COVID-19.
  • Test yourself to prevent spread to others, COVID-19 self-tests are one of many risk-reduction measures.
***


For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website, calhouncountymi.gov.

For updates from the City of Battle Creek, please visit battlecreekmi.gov/coronavirus.

The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visit michigan.gov/coronavirus.
For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager

Victor Jovanovich, Public Health Department Communications Specialist

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager