Young Adults Make Up Most of Today's COVID-19 Cases in Washtenaw County

Young adults and teens comprise a majority of the new COVID-19 patients reported today by the Washtenaw County Health Department.

Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, spokesperson for the health department, said more than 20 new COVID-19 cases are being reported today, and more than half are from people aged 15-25.

The Saline Post contacted the health department with questions about community reports of several Saline-area youth contracting COVID-19 at a party. Ringer-Cerniglia could not shed any light on specific instances in Saline.  She said the health department does not confirm locations or attendees of private events unless there are concerns about widespread public exposure.

However, health officials are seeing more cases stemming from gatherings.

"In recent weeks, there have been a significant proportion of cases that were likely exposed through private gatherings, celebrations," Ringler-Cerniglia said. "There are private parties/gatherings associated with cases across the county, including Saline. If this or other situations escalate, we may be able to provide more."

A person should be considered exposed to COVID-19 if they've attended a gathering where other people with COVID-19 have been. In that case, Ringer-Cerniglia said, they should self-quarantine for 14 days after the exposure and watch for symptoms. If unusual symptoms appear, they should seek immediate testing.

Symptoms include fever higher than 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, severe tiredness/fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, runny nose/congestion, or decreased appetite.

For more information about self-quarantine practices, click here.

According to health department figures, people aged 18-24 make up 11 percent of Washtenaw County's COVID-19 cases. They also make up less than once percent of the county's cases that required hospitalization. There have been no COVID-19 deaths among under-40 residents.

Saline's 48176 zip code has experienced a resurgence in cases. On June 29, there were 76 cases after just a smattering of cases over a three-week period. In yesterday's report, that total reached 86.

Washtenaw and Livingston County Health Departments and community partners are offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the former Whitmore Lake Middle School located at 8845 Main Street in Whitmore Lake. Testing will take place on Saturday, July 11 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. Individuals with or without symptoms can get tested. No appointment or referral is needed. Minors under 18 years must have a parent or guardian present. Please bring your insurance card if you have one. No one will be turned away for lack of insurance. Walk-up visits are also welcome. 

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