Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reports 40 new cases since Tuesday

From staff reports

Today the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reported 13 new cases of COVID-19 cases—matching the previous one-day record for the two counties on September 19. The department reported 10 new cases in Benzie and 3 in Leelanau County.

Since Tuesday, the Health Department has reported 40 new cases (Benzie, 26; Leelanau, 14) of COVID-19. Case counts are not updated on weekends, so the next available data will be published on Monday.

A majority of those 40 cases between October 27-30 are under age 30. Fourteen cases are between the ages of 13 and 19, and seven are between age 20 and 29.

This chart shows the daily count of COVID-19 cases in Benzie and Leelanau counties since April. See more at www.bldhd.org/coronavirus-covid-19

Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services revised and extended its epidemic order to contain the spread of COVID-19, as Michigan continues to see a surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Under the newly extended orders, MDHHS reduced the maximum gathering size from 500 persons to 50 persons for indoor gatherings such as weddings, parties, and banquets in nonresidential settings without fixed seating. Bars, restaurants, and social events not in private homes are now restricted to indoor party sizes of six people at a single table. Our region, the Traverse City region, previously had fewer restrictions due to lower COVID-19 rates but with the new orders has been moved into Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start system.

“We encourage all residents to take extra precautions every time you leave the house and this weekend if you decide to participate in Halloween activities,” states Lisa Peacock, Health Officer. “Every time you are around people outside your household, you are at risk of being exposed to COVID-19. We understand that the change to Phase 4 is reflective of the increasing cases and therefore risk in our area. We need to stick together and continue this hard work, taking the precautions seriously to help reduce the spread in our counties.”

As of 4 pm today, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting:

  • Positive COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 131, Leelanau– 152
  • Active COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 56, Leelanau– 41
  • Recovered COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 73, Leelanau– 109
  • Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the following counties: Benzie – 2, Leelanau– 2
  • Probable COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie – 7, Leelanau– 19
  • Hospitalized: 24 total; 4 current

The State of Michigan has reported 174,388 cases and 7,309 deaths.

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