Courtesy Image An illustration of the coronavirus provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ALPENA ― Citing a 342% increase in COVID-19 cases between July and August in its coverage area and a dangerous strain on hospital capacity, District Health Department No. 4 has issued a health advisory encouraging residents to take extra precautions to avoid the transmission of the virus.

In July, the Health Department reported 88 cases of COVID-19 in Alpena, Montmorency, Presque Isle, and Cheboygan counties. It reported 389 cases in August in those four counties, health officials reported on Wednesday.

Local hospital authorities have reported limited ICU beds, limited staffing, and extremely long wait times in emergency departments. As a result, some hospitals that serve Northeast Michigan residents have had to divert some patients, the Health Department said.

The upcoming holiday weekend could present additional risk of transmission as people gather, travel, and visit businesses. Prolonged indoor exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 increases risk of infection and transmission, health officials said.

Naming vaccination as the best protection against the virus, the Health Department recommends all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a facemask when in public indoor settings or in crowded outdoor areas.

Those sick should stay home, and anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate at home and seek testing. Anyone who is not vaccinated and is exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 10 days, health officials advise.

“All residents and businesses are urged to follow all these safety precautions.” the Health Department said in a written statement. “Failure to do so will perpetuate the spread of COVID-19 and cause prolonged harm to people, local hospitals, and businesses. By following these simple guidelines, the risk for spreading COVID-19 lowers significantly, protecting everyone who lives, works, and plays in beautiful northern Michigan.”

As of Tuesday, 57% of Alpena County residents have received a full COVID-19 vaccination, according to the state.

Read the entire District Health Department No. 4 public health advisory below.

9.2.2021 Public Health Advisory by Julie Riddle on Scribd