Washtenaw County offices will be closed on Fri, 12/23 due to the expected inclement weather. We'll also be closed on Mon, 12/26 in observance of the holiday. We will reopen on Tues, 12/27.
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday! 
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 Winter weather is headed our way. Winter storms can be dangerous and it's important to stay home, stay warm, and be prepared! Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia (and get info on local warming centers) here.
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If you have to use a portable generator, make sure you use it safely!
Most portable generators are powered by fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, or kerosene. If they are not used correctly, these generators can be dangerous because they give off toxic fumes.
 DO use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
 DO NOT use portable generators inside your house or garage, on balconies or near doors, vents, or windows, or near where you or your children are sleeping.
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Those seeking temporary emergency shelter during extreme weather can utilize winter weather haven locations throughout Washtenaw County, including all Ann Arbor District Library and Ypsilanti District Library branches during regular business hours.
Other temporary weather haven locations include the Briarwood Mall, the Washtenaw County Human Services Building, and various libraries. See the full list of winter havens and hours here.
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As we get ready for holiday gatherings and parties, remember that it is never safe to drive impaired or under the influence. Designate a sober driver, avoid alcohol or other substances, or plan to use a ride-sharing app to get home safely. This holiday season, plan ahead and avoid dangerous, last-minute decisions.
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Remember to stay away from others if you're feeling sick. See more tips for having a safe holiday here.
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Washtenaw at medium COVID-19 community level
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Washtenaw County is at a "medium" COVID-19 community level. CDC guidance at this level doesn't include broad masking recommendations. At all levels, people can wear a mask based on preference or risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Please continue to use available, effective strategies to prevent and reduce the spread of illness in our community, including:
 Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines - get your updated booster when eligible! (https://vaccinefinder.org).
Seek testing if feeling ill or if you have been exposed. Stay away from others if you are feeling ill or recently exposed, waiting for test results, or have tested positive (www.washtenaw.org/covid19whattodo). If you test positive, talk to your doctor right away about treatment options to prevent severe illness.
Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If you’re exposed to someone with COVID, wear a mask around others, monitor symptoms, and test 5 days after exposure (www.washtenaw.org/covid19whattodo).
Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.
If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, wear a well-fitting mask or respirator when indoors in public. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should take additional preventative actions.
If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk, consider testing to detect infection before contact and consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.
See more info on prevention steps to take at this community level: https://bit.ly/WCC19LVL
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See this weekly summary as a PDF here. |
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See this two-week snapshot as a PDF here. |
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Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or if you were exposed to someone with COVID. It's a good idea to test before and after travel, as well as before gatherings, especially when events include those who are at higher risk of severe illness.
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Be COVID-prepared this winter! If you live in Washtenaw County and don't have insurance or access to a doctor, take a couple minutes to join COVID Plan4Health.
This is a FREE Health Department program that connects people to free Paxlovid if they test positive. Treatment is especially important for people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID. Join today so you're ready if you need treatment later! Learn more about how COVID Plan4Health works and how to join here.
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Tests
- Many at-home COVID tests have had their expiration dates extended. This article shares how to make sure your tests are still good to use!
- Every US household can order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests from https://www.covid.gov/tests!
- Order your December tests! Households in every Michigan zip code can order free test kits through Project ACT! If you already ordered tests from Project ACT last month, you can now request more on a monthly basis until February.
- Note for those who get tests through Project ACT: The FDA granted expiration date extensions for the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test. Please use this tool to check the most updated expiration date of your kit.
- If you have health insurance, most insurance plans will cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home tests.
- See more on local testing sites and how to get free at-home tests here.
Masks
- Free KN95 masks are still available for pick-up during business hours at the Health Department. We also have kid-sized masks! (ages 5-12)
Treatment
- If you test positive for COVID-19, different treatment options may be available to you. Treatments can reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill or hospitalized due to COVID-19.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your primary care provider or an urgent care provider right away to see if you qualify for treatment. This is especially important for those who are high risk and/or are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines. You must have a referral from a health care provider to access these treatments.
- Learn about COVID Plan4Health, a new Health Department program that connects Washtenaw residents who don't have insurance or a doctor with treatment.
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Vaccines
- Find COVID-19 vaccines & boosters near you! Search online using https://vaccines.gov
- Not sure if you're due for another shot? Use the "find out when you can get your booster" tool here.
- Learn more or schedule an appointment at a Health Department clinic.
- Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are now available for some children under 5 years old. We are scheduling these vaccines along with other local providers. Here's the guidance for this age group:
- Kids ages 6 months-5 years who already completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster 2 months after their final primary series dose.
- Kids ages 6 months-4 years who are currently completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose. Those who have already received three doses of Pfizer vaccine are not eligible for a bivalent dose at this time.
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Local COVID-19 Vaccine Data
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