Sewer tests show increased COVID infections in Macomb County, officials say

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Analysis of sewage in Macomb County shows that COVID-19 infections in the area are high and are likely to continue to increase, county officials report.

During the pandemic, the Macomb County Public Works Commission sampled sewage in parts of the county to test it for COVID-19 in an effort to help track infections and virus outbreaks. The authorities say that this coronavirus testing method more accurately portrays the general infection of the community because it “includes sampling of waste dumped by individuals who are already infected, but who have not been tested. While some infected individuals await the test results – or are not tested at all – the data from the sewage tests provides a quicker and more complete snapshot of the infection in the population, ”says a press release on Tuesday.

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According to the county, sewage samples tested recently in Clinton Township – where the program primarily operates – show that COVID infections are actually higher than what is currently reported and are likely to continue to grow.

“The test shows the trend line of what is to come a week before, it is a precursor. Unfortunately, our tests are showing that COVID cases will continue to rise over the next week, ”said Candice Miller, public works commissioner for Macomb County.

Authorities say the number of positive COVID-19 tests in Macomb County has increased 125 percent in the past two weeks and that residents are at a “very high risk level”.

Virus cases are on the rise in Metro Detroit and across Michigan. COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in recent weeks.

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On Monday, Michigan reported 4,801 new cases of the virus and six deaths over the weekend. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan increased to 629,612 on Monday, including 15,903 deaths.

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily COVID cases was 2,719 on Monday – the highest since early January. The 7-day death toll averaged 16 on Monday and has been stable for several weeks. The state also reports “active cases”, which were listed at 50,900 on Monday. More than 562,000 have recovered in Michigan.

Michigan reported more than 3.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered, starting on Sunday, with 28.5% of residents having received at least one dose.

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