COVID surges in Benzie-Leelanau before holiday — 7 hospitalized, woman in her 30s dies

From staff reports

COVID-19 statistics reported by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department today, which cover the previous weekend, are staggering.

There are 65 new cases (40 in Benzie, 25 in Leelanau) between Saturday, Nov. 21, and Monday, Nov. 23. Nearly 98% of those cases had symptoms.

Seven new COVID patients from Benzie and Leelanau counties were hospitalized over the weekend, and the Health Department reported two deaths from the coronavirus.

One of those deaths was a Leelanau woman in her 30s. According to Director of Personal Health Michelle Klein, the woman had no “significant co-morbidities” prior to contracting COVID-19.

The Health Department confirmed that, of the 8 COVID deaths in Benzie-Leelanau since March, she is the first victim under age 60.

The Health Department released a new Public Health Advisory today which reinforces the importance of important safety precautions, many of which have been outlined in the latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) epidemic order from Nov. 15.

It is critical for the protection of our healthcare systems and our vulnerable residents that we as a community attempt to curb the disturbing COVID-19 trends, stated the advisory. Benzie and Leelanau Counties have seen a nearly 6-fold increase in new daily cases compared to September and over 300 new cases in November alone.

Our hospital systems are reporting they are reaching critical capacity limits for both beds and staffing. The deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in our region have reached the highest they have ever been and the COVID-19 risk level for all our counties is now considered highest risk, signifying widespread community transmission.

“The restrictions in this most recent order were informed by data collected through case and outbreak investigations conducted across the state and therefore the goal of this targeted approach is to see a change in the direction of the disturbing trends in pandemic indicators. It is our fervent hope that this “pause” will make a difference,” said Lisa Peacock, Health Officer. “Today we released a local public health advisory to reiterate the importance of the latest emergency orders from MDHHS. We have slowed the spread of COVID-19 once before, and we know that taking the appropriate steps now will help us to again slow and prevent further spread.”

This Public Health Advisory will remain in effect until lifted and will replace all previously issued Public Health Advisories. The cooperation of all businesses and residents in following best practices and safety precautions is needed to prevent an unmanageable surge on our local healthcare systems, to protect the health and safety of citizens, as well as to prevent additional restrictions and closures. The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department continues to urge everyone to wear a facial covering in public places, practice social distancing, and exercise good hand hygiene and to comply with the public health orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Increased gathering with others, travel, and movement in and about local business establishments during the upcoming holiday celebrations presents additional risk to our hospitals, business, and community members. It is easy to ‘let our guard down’ in what has always been deemed our safe places, our homes and those of our good friends and relatives. Unfortunately, viral transmission is most common, and infection rates are increased, with prolonged exposure times indoors especially when in close proximity to others, which describes typical gatherings with family and close friends.

Protect yourself and your community against COVID

In order to protect our residents, visitors, and employees, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is advising that you abide by the following guidelines:

1. If you are sick, stay at home. Do not leave your residence and do not go to work.

2. If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 seek testing as soon as possible and isolate at home untilyour test results come back. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department for assistance.

3. If you test positive for COVID-19 immediately isolate yourself and notify your close contacts toquarantine. Do not wait for instruction from the Health Department as there may be delays due to rapidlyrising cases. See guidance: If you test positive for COVID-19

4. If you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 self-quarantine for 14 days from your lastcontact with them.

5. Residents are urged to answer all calls, texts, or emails from the State or Local Health Department.

6. All residents and visitors should adhere to the required safety precautions while in business establishments including face coverings, social distancing, and capacity limits posted at business entrances.

7. Maintain 6-feet of social distance with those outside your household, and avoid crowding on outdoor trails, parks, and recreational areas.

8. Comply with limits for social gatherings and events. See MDHHS social gathering limitations.

9. Choose a consistent “social bubble” or “social pod” and be comfortable with that group knowing that asthe number increases so does risk of transmission. Keep your number under 10 and no more than oneother household.

10. Consider modified holiday celebrations that are small, local, and encourage wearing of masks, social distancing, and proper hygiene practices to help slow the spread of the virus. Stay withinyour
small “social pod” and instead of larger indoor gatherings around a meal consider alternative activities such as meeting outdoors for walks or shorter visits where everyone can mask and maintain distance.

11. If you choose to travel to visit with friends or relatives keep the number low. Consider being very careful in the week or two before travel, and practice increased caution during the visit. Upon returning home for the week or two after travel you should monitor closely for any symptoms and stay home if you become sick. Consider getting tested 5-7 days after travel or visiting and isolating until the results are back. This goes for those travelling and those who are having visitors, especially if anyone in these groups is higher risk.

12. If you must travel via public transportation protect yourself and others by wearing a mask, keeping as much distance from others as possible, and regularly washing or sanitizing your hands. Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.

All residents and businesses are urged to follow all these safety precautions. Failure to do so will perpetuate the spread of COVID-19 and cause prolonged harm to people and businesses. By following these simple guidelines, the risk for spreading COVID-19 lowers significantly, protecting everyone who lives, works, and plays in beautiful northern Michigan.