Northwest Wayne News

The Detroit Health Department has shared updated recommendations to protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, following new streamlined guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the level of COVID-19 in Detroit remains low, the new guidelines aim to safeguard individuals from various respiratory illnesses and protect those most vulnerable to severe illness.

Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo, emphasized the importance of these guidelines, stating, “While the level of community spread for COVID-19 remains low in Detroit, we want everyone to be aware of some simple guidelines they can take to help slow the spread of all respiratory illnesses.”

The recommendations include staying up to date with vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible, practicing safe hygiene by washing hands, covering coughs, and disinfecting surfaces regularly, as well as taking steps to breathe cleaner air by opening windows, using air purifiers, and spending time outdoors when possible.

For individuals who do fall ill with a respiratory illness, the Detroit Health Department advises staying home to prevent the spread of illness, seeking treatment if symptoms do not improve - especially for high-risk individuals - and utilizing additional prevention strategies such as wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and testing.

The Detroit Health Department offers vaccinations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV at its Immunizations Clinic at 100 Mack Avenue, with testing also available at the same location. More information can be found on their website at www.detroitmi.gov/health.