Benzie-Leelanau Health Department reports rise in COVID-19 cases “not seen since last fall”

From staff reports

Within the past week, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (BLDHD) has reported 48 COVID-19 cases within the two counties, including four new cases in Benzie County and five new cases in Leelanau County today.

This as Spring Break looms next week, and many families plan to travel outside the area.

“Across the northern region, we are seeing increased cases and outbreaks that are approaching or exceeding levels we haven’t seen since last fall,” said Lisa Peacock, BLDHD health officer. “It is concerning and sends a message that we need to be vigilant to slow the spread of this virus.”

“As health professionals, we are making every effort to get people fully vaccinated but all of us have the responsibility to keep up our end of the bargain and take precautionary measures to stop this virus. Now is not the time for us to let down our guard.”

The health department has reported more than 1,900 cases since March 16, 2020, in Benzie and Leelanau counties.

So far in March 2021, BLDHD has reported 134 cases of COVID-19. Here’s the breakdown by age group:

• 0-12 years – 1 case

• 13-19 years – 23 cases

• 20-29 years – 10 cases

• 30-39 years – 19 cases

• 40-49 years – 20 cases

• 50-59 years – 28 cases

• 60-69 years – 22 cases

• 70-79 years – 7 cases

• 80-89 years – 3 cases

• 90-99 years – 0 cases

Of those 134 cases, 117 were symptomatic, 11 were asymptomatic, and 6 were unknown. Twenty-four of those cases were associated with nine different outbreaks. Six cases are currently or were hospitalized. One COVID-19 associated death reported in March.