NEWBERRY — COVID-19 cases are increasing more now in the Eastern U.P. than they were a year ago, according to the Luce, Mackinac, Alger, and Schoolcraft District Health Department.

“There were a total of 66 COVID cases in Luce, Mackinac, Alger, and Schoolcraft counties — that total was from March 1, 2020 to late August 2020. This year from August 1 to August 25, there have already been 185 cases in the LMAS District. June and July were relatively quiet in the district with zero or single digit increases most days. Why the increase? Three reasons. First, the Delta variant. Second, very few are following basic public health risk reduction measures of masking, maintaining distance from those not in the same household, washing hands, and staying home when sick. Finally, with only 55 percent of the 12 and older population fully vaccinated in the four counties, the outcomes as Delta takes a foothold here could be devastating for individuals, families, communities, and hospitals.,” said Kerry Ott, public information officer at the LMAS District Health Department.

“We want you to understand about the current situation in our region, and are asking you to consider protecting yourself, your

family and community by doing the same small things of masking, maintaining distance, staying home when sick, and getting tested for COVID if symptomatic or known exposure.”

Health officials said residents need to be aware the Delta variant is in local communities, and case numbers are rising. The state has informed the health department that 99% of all tests being sequenced are coming back as the Delta variant. This variant is twice as transmissible and creates a large viral load.

Vaccines are still doing well to prevent serious illness and hospitalization, but even those fully vaccinated should use caution in crowded spaces.

“You are important to us and we want to make sure that you remain safe,” said Ott.