For the months of April, May and June, the number of COVID-19 tests administered increased dramatically in Livingston County, while the average number of positive results waned. Despite all the “more tests, more cases” mantra, in Livingston County it was “more tests, fewer positive results.”
That was the plan, after all, and it appeared to prove that the lock-down was doing its job.
The proof?
For the months of April, May and June, there were a total of 15,067 COVID-19 tests administered to Livingston County residents. While the number of tests rose dramatically — 1,238 in April; 6,252 in May; and 7,577 in June — the number of positive results per month actually decreased, from 95 in April to 80 in May to 59 in June.
That’s precisely what was supposed to happen.
But as the state started reopening, the numbers for Livingston County (as well as the state) began ticking upward.
Now, the positive trend of decreasing monthly cases in Livingston County appears to be ending: In just the first two weeks of July, there have been 4,982 tests administered, and the number of positive results has clocked in at 52. That doesn’t even take into account the 14-day incubation period following the Fourth of July weekend, during which many of us let loose and partied like it was 1999.
There will surely be a reckoning for all the masks not worn, the social distances not kept, and the belief that following simple rules to keep ourselves and our families, friends and neighbors safe is somehow an affront to our liberty.
Even without an expected Fourth of July surge in cases, if the month’s numbers remain steady, it will produce the largest number of positive COVID-19 cases since testing began in March.
What the uptick in numbers means for Livingston County and the state is unclear. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is threatening a rollback of loosened restrictions if the numbers keep ticking upward; and to think that this is happening as the traditional start of the school year looms.
Yes, wearing a mask is an inconvenience. But it’s not so much so that I’ll forego my mask and put others at risk. I look at Livingston County’s numbers and I have absolute proof that what we had been doing works. It’s long-term gain for short-term pain. If we simply quit wasting our precious time and follow the CDC guidelines and get on board — for just two months — we can turn this pandemic around.
So, if you are among those who don’t think mask-wearing and social distancing works, don’t listen to me. Don’t listen to the politicians. Don’t listen to the anti-maskers. Listen to the numbers. Believe the numbers. You can check out the data for yourself by clicking here.
