The Washtenaw County Health Department released new data on firearms that shows gun death rates in the county have increased.

Clinical services have returned to regular, pre-pandemic capacity at Washtenaw County Health Department.

The Washtenaw County Health Department expects to announce a mask mandate later this week.

A4 spoke with the Washtenaw County Health Department to understand how COVID is impacting the county.

Michigan residents -- ages 50 and up -- will be able to get vaccinated starting Monday as long as they have a pre-existing condition. “It includes cancer or diabetes, overweight, smoking, a lot of conditions,” said Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, with the Washtenaw County Health Department. However, Ringler-Cerniglia said that although eligibility is expanding, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be vaccinated soon. These vaccines are free of charge, but patients do not have any say on which of the three vaccines they’re set to receive. READ: Metro Detroit leaders: Seniors won’t be left out as vaccine eligibility expandsAdPre-existing health conditions include:

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Seniors in Washtenaw County are sharing their concerns over COVID-19 vaccine distribution and shortages. However, thanks to grocery giant Meijer help is on its way. DETAILS: Meijer to launch COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Michigan stores: What to know“We keep urging that seniors get their shot,” said Susan Ringler-Cerniglia of the Washtenaw County Health Department. She says while the City of Detroit is witnessing an increase in COVID-19 vaccine doses that is not the case for Washtenaw County. AdRead more: Wide COVID vaccine availability still months away for Washtenaw County residents, health official saysCoronavirus in Michigan

The university said several people linked to the Athletic Department have tested positive for the highly-contagious strain of the virus. A Wayne County man tested positive for the variant and a total of five people tested positive in Washtenaw County. The University of Michigan confirmed to Local 4 the school issued a two week pause for all University of Michigan Athletics. COVID-19 TestingWashtenaw County Health Department is working with the Michigan Department of Health and local partners to provide additional, no-cost COVID-19 testing opportunities. More: Michigan health officials concerned over COVID variants

DETROIT With the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases rising slightly in Michigan, health departments are sending out alerts about potential exposure locations. How did health officials trace multiple cases back to locations? They said contact tracing is vital in fighting the spread of the coronavirus. Health officials said stopping the spread comes down to close contact without face coverings that allows droplets to infect people. Thats when the real work begins as health departments work to call those who had close contact.