Sewage tests show increasing COVID infections in Macomb County, officials say

CLINTON DORP, Mich. Analysis of sanitary sewer in Macomb County shows that COVID-19 infections in the area are high and likely to increase, provincial officials report.

The Macomb Public Works Commission has been testing sewage in parts of the country throughout the pandemic to test it for COVID-19 in an effort to help detect viral infections and outbreaks. Officials say that this method of coronavirus testing more accurately reflects the overall contamination of the community, because it includes’ sampling of waste by individuals who have already been infected but have not yet been tested. “As some infected individuals are waiting for the results of the test – or not being tested at all – the data from the sewage test offers a faster and more thorough snapshot of contamination in the population,” a press release said on Tuesday.

Related: Waste Watch: Sewage Can Help Detect Pandemic Virus Trends

According to the province, sewage samples recently tested in Clinton Township, where the program works primarily, show that COVID infections are actually higher than currently reported, and are likely to grow.

“Testing shows the trend line of what comes a week before, it is a forerunner. “Unfortunately, our tests show that COVID cases will continue to climb next week,” said Macomb County Commissioner of Public Works Candice Miller.

Officials say the number of positive COVID-19 tests in Macomb County has increased by 125 percent over the past two weeks and that residents are at a ‘very high level of risk’.

This image shows that the increasing number of positive COVID-19 tests in Macomb County will take at least another week, based on laboratory analysis of sanitary sewage. The graph shows reported COVID-19 cases in the country compared to the data of the Public Service Commission. (Public Works in Macomb County)

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

On Monday, Michigan reported 4,801 new virus cases and six deaths this past weekend. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan rose from Monday to 629,612, 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 mortality rate was Monday 16 and has been flat for several weeks. The state also reports ‘active business’ which was listed at 50,900 on Monday. More than 562,000 recovered in Michigan.

Michigan has more than reported 3.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administeredOn Sunday, 28.5% of residents received at least one dose.

Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, information about phases

Related news: Man’s body found outside medical center in Macomb township

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