Leelanau, Benzie Counties post single-day record for COVID case counts
From staff reports
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department recorded 37 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Leelanau County on Friday, Nov. 12, and 29 new cases in Benzie County, for a total of 66. That’s the highest single-day count for both counties since the pandemic began.
Today, November 15, the Health Department reported 40 new cases: 22 in Benzie and 18 in Leelanau. Since Thursday, Nov. 11, the Health Department has reported 165 cases: 78 in Benzie and 87 in Leelanau.
The Health Department issued a media release today titled “Here’s what’s cooking for a safe holiday season. Health Department offers recipe for safer gatherings.”
“We are encouraging everyone 5 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible so they can share a happy and healthy holiday season with their families and friends,” said Lisa Peacock, Health Officer with Benzie-Leelanau District the Health Department. “If you get your first shot this week, you will be fully vaccinated in time to safely enjoy the upcoming holidays,” she added.
To cook up a safe holiday, following this recipe:
Get vaccinated. Children and adults age 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Some groups of people are eligible for a third shot or booster. To schedule an appointment exclusively for children 5 to 11 years old, click here. To schedule an appointment for anyone 10 and older, click here. A parent/guardian must accompany anyone younger than 18 to a COVID-19 clinic. Please bring an insurance card to the appointment.
Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
Outdoors is safer than indoors—enjoy a picnic or other outdoor activities, weather permitting.
Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you are sick, and stay away from others.
Safe Travels. If possible, delay travel unless you are fully vaccinated. If you are traveling with unvaccinated family members, such as children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, take additional precautions. Avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested before and after your trip. A list of test sites is available here. In order to assure availability for emergent and urgent care, residents are encouraged to seek an alternative to hospital emergency departments to obtain a COVID-19 test.
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department has created 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. Clinics offer clients a choice of Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J’s Janssen unless otherwise noted. Upcoming clinics for appointments only include
Tuesday, November 16th – Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
- VFW Post 7731, 7475 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
- Time: 1:00-5:00pm
- Vaccine: Moderna, Janssen, and Pfizer (open to 12 or older, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
- To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Wednesday, November 17th – Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
- Crystal Cafe, 1681 Benzie Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616
- Time: 1:00- 5:00pm
- Vaccine: Moderna, Janssen, and Pfizer (open to 12 or older, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
- To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Friday, November 19th- Benzie’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
- BLDHD Benzie Office, 6501 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616
- Time: 8:00-12:00 and 1- 4:30pm
- Vaccine: Pfizer (open to 5-11 years old ONLY, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
- To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Friday, November 19th- Leelanau’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
- BLDHD Leelanau Office, 7401 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
- Time: 8:00-12:00 and 1- 4:30pm
- Vaccine: Pfizer (open to 5-11 years old ONLY, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
- To schedule an appointment: Click Here
COVID-19 Testing
The health department is offering free COVID-19 testing with the support of HONU lab. The test is free, and no doctor’s order is required. Pre-registration is not required, but it is recommended to reduce time spent at the testing clinic, and walk-ins are welcome. Testing is available:
• On Monday and Thursday from 10 – 3pm at the VFW Post 7731. To register visit: http://honumg.info/OldSuttonsBayMS
• On Tuesday and Friday, from 10 am – 3pm at the Crystal Café in Benzonia. To register visit: https://honumg.info/CrystalCafe
As of 4:00 p.m. today, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting:
Total COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 1,840, Leelanau– 1,893
Active COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 245, Leelanau– 274
Recovered COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 1,558, Leelanau– 1,598
Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the following counties: Benzie – 37, Leelanau– 21
Hospitalized: 229 total; 19 currently
