Leelanau records three COVID deaths during Thanksgiving week; Michigan leads nation in transmission; Omicron variant lurks
From staff reports
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department recorded three deaths of Leelanau County residents from COVID-19 during Thanksgiving week: one on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and two on Friday, Nov. 26. The Health Department recorded one COVID-associated death in Benzie County on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Two of those people were vaccinated; one was unvaccinated, and the third is unknown.
A total of 40 have died of COVID in Benzie County, and 28 in Leelanau County, since the pandemic arrived in March 2020.
New case counts for both counties reached 57 on Nov. 23, 43 on Nov. 24, and 28 new cases on Thanksgiving, Nov. 25. The Health Department is currently monitoring 397 active cases in Leelanau and 393 I Benzie. Fifteen COVID patients from the two counties are currently hospitalized.
Michigan continues to lead the nation in COVID transmission. And worries are mounting of the Omicron variant, which has been found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. There are no known cases yet in the United States. The new strain is causing health officials to urge residents to use precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“We know what it takes to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Josh Meyerson, Medical Director for the Health Department. “Regardless of the strain, we all need to take preventative measures to stop the spread of this disease and keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe.”
The health department, as well as the CDC recommends people follow prevention strategies such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others. CDC also recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. CDC encourages a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for all those who are eligible.
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. 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. Click here to make an appointment at an upcoming vaccination clinic.
