Health Department reports 3 new COVID deaths in Leelanau, 20+ positive cases per day; 80 percent unvaccinated

From staff report

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reports three new COVID-19 associated deaths of Leelanau County residents this week—one per day, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (as well as one death in Benzie County on Thursday). All victims were between ages 70-90; one victim was fully vaccinated. The pandemic has claimed a total of 24 lives in Leelanau and 38 in Benzie.

The Health Department tallied 20 new positive COVID-19 cases in Leelanau on Tuesday, Nov. 16 (and 28 in Benzie), 29 on Wednesday, Nov. 17 (22 in Benzie), and 20 on Thursday, Nov. 18 (21 in Benzie). There are currently 326 active COVID cases in Leelanau and 302 in Benzie. Between the two counties, 21 are currently hospitalized.

According to the Health Department’s weekly case trend summary that covers the period from Oct. 4-Nov. 7, nearly 80 percent of cases are unvaccinated people. Those new cases per week are skyrocketing in November. Michigan currently has the highest COVID rates in the nation. The mitten state appears dark red on a national map of hot spots.

Meanwhile, 79 percent of residents 16 years and older in Benzie and Leelanau County have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In nearly one week since it was authorized by the federal government, 14.8 percent of children ages 5-11 have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The state’s objective remains to get as many Michiganders vaccinated as possible, and the Health Department continues to provide opportunities for eligible individuals to receive their first, second, or additional and booster doses at every community vaccine clinic.

“Even with 79 percent vaccination rates in persons 16 and older, there are still many susceptible individuals and a circulating strain (Delta) that is highly contagious and spreads more easily than the original strain,” said the Health Department’s medical director, Dr. Joshua Meyerson. “Given the contagiousness of the virus it is unlikely that we will reach a level of immunity that will lead to elimination of this virus in the next few years.”

“Being vaccinated reduces your risk of infection but more importantly greatly reduces your risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death due to this virus. Most reported cases are in unvaccinated individuals, and over 90 percent of those currently hospitalized in our ICUs are unvaccinated,” he added.

Health Department officials reiterate that vaccination is the best way to reduce an individual’s risk of contracting COVID- 19 well as the best method of reducing the impact of COVID-19 in our community. Anyone who receives a first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through tomorrow, November 19, will be considered fully vaccinated by Christmas Eve.

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department has an electronic self-reporting survey to make it easy and convenient for residents testing at home to report positive COVID-19 tests.

Vaccination continues to be our most powerful tool. The health department offers convenient COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all area residents and visitors 12 and older by appointment ahead of time. Parent consent is required for minors. Anyone may call the Michigan COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136 if they have questions or are not able to find a time or date that works for them and/or their child. A list of additional local providers that are offering COVID-19 vaccines can be found on the health department’s website. Clinics offer clients a choice of Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J’s Janssen unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming clinics for appointments only include: Friday, Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. until noon and 1-4:30 p.m. at Benzie’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at 6501 Frankfort Hwy in Benzonia; Friday, Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. until noon and 1-4:30 p.m. at Leelanau’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at 7401 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau; Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 1-5 p.m. at the VFW Post 7731, 7475 E Duck Lake Rd in Lake Leelanau; and Wednesday, Nov. 24, from 1-5 p.m. at Crystal Cafe, 1681 Benzie Hwy in Benzonia. To schedule an appointment call 231-882-4409.