Beaumont confirms 54 new COVID-19 cases

After a two-month-long surge in COVID-19 cases during which, on average, more than 144 Beaumont-area residents tested positive each day, daily confirmations continue to decrease.

According to data from the Beaumont Public Health Department, 54 Beaumont-area residents tested positive Friday, Feb. 11, bringing the week’s total to 307. The department reported 8,940 Beaumont-area positives between Dec. 1, 2021 and Jan. 31, with 6,643 confirmations coming in January alone.

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found that among people hospitalized with COVID-19, severe outcomes during the Omicron period appear lower than during previous high transmission periods. COVID-19 hospital stays were shorter, with fewer intensive care unit stays. Part of the reason for the lower severity is because of vaccination coverage and booster dose uptake among eligible people. COVID Data Tracker shows that as of Feb. 10, about 213.4 million people, or 64.3% percent of the total U.S. population, have received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine.

"However, only about half of those eligible to receive a booster dose have done so," reads a CDC report. "Everyone ages 12 years and older should get a booster shot after they have completed their COVID-19 vaccine primary series. Omicron is extremely contagious, and even though overall severity is lower, the high volume of hospitalizations has strained the healthcare system. Being up to date with vaccination, in coordination with other key prevention strategies, is critical for preventing severe illness from COVID-19 and for reducing the likelihood of new variants from emerging. Find a vaccine provider and get your booster dose as soon as you can."