This story appeared in The Benzie County Record Patriot. Read more here.
The importance of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to be emphasized by health officials, according to the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department.
Being fully vaccinated – two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of J&J – leads to fewer hospitalizations and deaths,
according to information released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MDHHS created an eligibility assessment tool to assist residents in identifying if they are eligible for a booster dose of the COVID19 vaccine, or if they are up to date.
The MDHHS recently released data showing that 76.8% of COVID-19 cases are reported in people who are not fully vaccinated. More than 84% of hospitalizations and 81.8% of deaths are in people not fully vaccinated.
“It is great news that the number of cases is declining in our state and our region,” said Lisa Peacock, health officer for the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. “We want to keep this downward trend continuing and prevent another surge. Therefore, it is still critical that anyone who is eligible get vaccinated and receive their booster shot.”
Starting next week, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is combining the clinics dedicated for young clients with adults. Clinics are offered at convenient times at both health department offices.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the health department encourages additional mitigation measures to keep individuals
and their communities safe:
• After testing positive for COVID-19, individuals are encouraged to talk to their health care provider
about whether they meet eligibility criteria and should get antibody or antiviral treatment to help with their
recovery. Learn more about COVID-19 Therapeutics.
• Isolation and Quarantine. Staying away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to
COVID-19 are important tools to prevent further spread of the virus. Learn more about what happens when
you have or are exposed to COVID-19
• Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should
get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms
or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others while you wait for your test
result. Testing before unmasked gatherings provides an additional layer of protection.To schedule a COVID19 test with the health department,visit bldhd.org.
• Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. For additional guidance on mitigation strategies
see How to Protect Yourself and Others.
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is offering free COVID-19 Home Test and KN-95 masks at each of their locations. The home testing kits are available for the public in our offices, while supplies last. Each kit has 2 tests, and each person can take one kit as supplies are limited.
The masks are available in packs of two, first come first served while supplies last, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All offices are closed from 12-1 p.m. for lunch. Office locations include:
• Benzie Office, 6051 Frankfort Highway, Benzonia, MI 49616
• Leelanau Office, 7401 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
The health department also offers convenient COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all area residents and visitors five years and older. Parent consent is required for minors. These clinics will be open to first, second, additional, and booster dose appointments and offers all three vaccines unless otherwise noted.
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. Additional vaccination sites can be found at vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 Testing
• Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 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.
COVID-19 Case Counts
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting the following case information:
• Feb. 16, 12 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (10) and Leelanau (2).
• Feb. 17, 11 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (2) and Leelanau (9).
• On Feb. 18, 12 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (2) and Leelanau (10).
• On Feb. 19, 2 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Leelanau (2).
• On Feb. 20, 3 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (3).
• On Feb. 21, no new cases of COVID-19 were reported.
• Feb. 22, 9 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Benzie (5) and Leelanau (4).
As of 4 p.m., the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting:
• Total COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 3,330, Leelanau– 3,530
• Active COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 280, Leelanau– 274
• Recovered COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie– 2,994, Leelanau– 3,216
• Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the following counties: Benzie – 56, Leelanau– 40