Leelanau’s first COVID-19 case poses “very low risk to public”

From staff reports

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department completed contact investigation for the first positive COVID-19 case in Leelanau County and determined that, based on the individual’s activities, the risk to the public is very low, according to a press release issue today. Health Department staff will be notifying any individual contacts that may be at risk of exposure to provide instruction about monitoring for symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), walking by a person or even briefly being in the same room is considered a very low risk of infection with COVID-19. “The risk is increased with close contact and prolonged exposure and this is why social distancing measures are so important”, states Michelle Klein, Director of Personal Health at the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department.

Social distancing means:

• Staying home, except for necessary excursions such as grocery shopping, picking upmedications, or health care appointments.
• Limiting the number of people you are in contact with — avoid playdates andunnecessary social gatherings.
• Use the telephone, social media and other technology to stay connected with friends andfamily.
• It is OK to get outdoors for a walk or hike. Just be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from non-household members.
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as fever, cough or shortness ofbreath, stay at home and try to keep a distance from other household members as well. If you need to seek health care treatment, call first and let you doctor know your symptoms.Other measures such as frequent handwashing and cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs and remote controls will also help prevent the spread of Coronaviruses as well as other germs.“The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department will do our best to keep the public informed”, states Klein. Information is regularly updated on the CDC and MDHHS websites. In addition, Michigan has established a hotline to answer questions. The Michigan hotline number is 1-888-535-6136.