This story appeared in The Benzie County Record-Patriot. Read more here.
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department officials are reminding residents to take the steps necessary and know their role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 within their community.
Though COVID-19 cases will occur, through the use of correct tools and preventative measures, everyone can do their part to prevent severe disease and death, protect the healthcare system, and keep vital infrastructure functioning.
“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently shared information about how the pandemic response will shift and evolve in 2022,” said Lisa Peacock, health officer. “It’s helpful to understand the overarching goal is to prioritize equity, while protecting our communities by following these guiding principles aimed at protecting our residents and communities through preventing severe outcomes and protecting critical sectors of society. We won’t be able to stop cases of COVID-19 from happening but focusing on getting the public the tools they need to protect themselves as community spread is prevalent.”
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is one of many local health departments that have recently shifted strategies to maximize public health tools and resources and focus investigation efforts on those priority settings like schools and long-term care facilities that are most at risk for outbreak. Additionally, it is critical to make public health information about community mitigation of COVID-19.
Residents that are exposed or test positive are encouraged to contact the health department at 231-882-4409 with questions about their symptoms and view most up to date resources at www.bldhd.org.
Health Department officials want to remind residents of four key points amid case increases and the Omicron variant being detected in Leelanau counties:
1. Stay home if sick and experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
2. Get tested if symptomatic or once 5 days have passed after exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19 and stay home until your results are received.
Under a new Michigan rule, private insurers will be required to cover up to eight FDAapproved over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for each person covered by a health plan. For information on how to get your at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test for free, visit.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free.
At the federal level, citizens can request free rapid coronavirus tests from the federal government. The website to process the requests is covidtests.gov.
3. Wear a mask when out in public settings correctly and consistently, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, as an extra layer of protection.
4. Get vaccinated and boosted. Safe and effective vaccinations are offered at a number of local pharmacies and at health department clinics. Visit the health department website to see clinic schedules for 5-11 year-olds, and 12 and older to self-schedule an appointment.
The health department offers convenient COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all area residents and visitors 12 and older. Walk-ins are welcome at the health department’s community clinics. 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 include:
Jan. 28- Benzie’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
• BLDHD Benzie Office, 6051 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616
• Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Appointments required
• To schedule an appointment visit bldhd.org.
• Vaccine: Pfizer (open to 5-17 years old ONLY, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
Feb. 1st – Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic.
• VFW Post 7731, 7475 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
• Time: 3-5 p.m.
• To schedule an appointment visit bldhd.org.
Feb. 2 – Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic.
• Platte River Association, 12990 Honor Hwy, Honor, MI 49640.
• Time: 3-5 pm
• To schedule an appointment visit bldhd.org.
Feb. – Leelanau’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
• BLDHD Leelanau Office, 7401 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
• Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Appointments required
• To schedule an appointment visit bldhd.org.
• Vaccine: Pfizer (open to 5-17 years old ONLY, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
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 will be available as follows:
• Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. -3 p.m., VFW Post 7731, 7475 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI. To register for testing in Leelanau, click here.
• Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, 224 Park Ave, Frankfort, MI 49635.
The testing clinic is located in the trailer by the cardiac rehab entrance (lower-level parking lot). To register for testing in Benzie, click here.
*Note that lines may be longest at the beginning of the day and waiting outside may be necessary. Please dress accordingly.
COVID-19 Case Counts
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting the following case information:
• On Jan. 21, 74 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (42) and Leelanau (32).
• On Jan. 22, 53 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (23) and Leelanau (30).
• On Jan. 23, 36 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (19) and Leelanau (17).
• On Jan. 24, 36 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (16) and Leelanau (20).• Today, January 17, 96 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (50) and Leelanau (46).
• Today, January 17, 96 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (50) and Leelanau (46).
As of 4:00 p.m. today, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting:
• Total COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 3,089, Leelanau– 3,285
• Active COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 707, Leelanau– 747
• Recovered COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 2,330, Leelanau– 2,501
• Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the following counties: Benzie – 52, Leelanau– 37