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By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — A state report says Marquette County COVID-19 levels have been on the rise for more than a month.

On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services reported that Marquette County is back at a high COVID-19 risk level.

The county has seen 227.9 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days. Marquette County Health Department health officer Jerry Messana said his department is not making any changes in its COVID-19 public health response.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations for the public based on COVID-19 community levels, and the health department continues to encourage the public to employ these recommendations to help reduce the spread,” Messana said in an email.

The CDC’s recommendations to prevent the spread include wearing a high-quality mask or respirator, avoiding nonessential indoor activities in public if you are at high risk of getting sick and self-testing before coming in contact with someone who may be high risk.

“Probably the most important thing is to stay home if you’re sick and if you test positive for COVID, isolate for at least five days and wear a mask when around others for the next five days,” Messana said. “Also, if you do test positive, call your provider to see if you might be eligible for treatment.”

Messana said that MCHD is offering free home-testing kits. MDHHS offers free walk-in testing to the public at Westwood Mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Vaccines are also available at MCHD, local pharmacies and many primary care provider offices, Messana said.

“You should call ahead to make sure that the pharmacies and local primary care providers have vaccine on hand and make an appointment if necessary,” Messana said.

Alger County has also reached a high community level. Alger County reported 241.5 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days.

For more COVID-19-related information, visit online at co.marquette.mi.us/departments/health_department/covid_19.php.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 248. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.