MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Health Department is reminding the public to be aware of COVID-19 preventive measures as elevated levels of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected.

As cases of COVID-19 have increased throughout the state, elevated levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been detected from wastewater in the city of Marquette. Elevated levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater indicate a spread of COVID-19 within the community.

This wastewater detection of SARS-CoV-2 results from ongoing research being conducted by Northern Michigan University. The research project has been tracking genetic markers associated with SARS-CoV-2 in the municipal wastewater system.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, MCHD recommends the following measures: wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover one’s mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing, stay current on vaccines, avoid crowds and close contacts during times of increased COVID rates, self-isolate when infected until recovery and consider wearing a properly fitted mask when physically distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.