Grand Traverse County reports first case of community acquired COVID-19 transmission

From staff reports

The Grand Traverse County Health Department announces two additional positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the countywide total to seven. Among the two latest cases, community acquired transmission was determined to be a factor in one case.

The first case is a female in her 70s, with no history of travel outside of the region. After a thorough case investigation by the Grand Traverse County Health Department, it was determined there was no distinguishable exposure to a positive COVID-19 case. Therefore, the investigation indicates this is community acquired transmission. She is currently hospitalized.

“We have identified our first case of clear community acquired transmission, which we anticipated would happen eventually. It reaffirms that everyone who is not deemed an essential worker should be staying at home to reduce further community transmission, “said Dr. Michael Collins, Grand Traverse County Health Department, medical director.

The second case is a female in her 20s with a history of domestic travel from a high community wide transmission area. She has been self-quarantined during her incubation period and prior to the onset of symptoms. She continues to recover in quarantine.

As the number of cases increases within Grand Traverse County and with the knowledge that there is community spread happening, this reinforces the social distancing message of Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives.