St. Ignace Hospital Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19; First Incident in Mackinac County

ST. IGNACE NEWS – The first positive test for COVID-19 was reported in Mackinac County Wednesday night, March 25. The person is an employee of Mackinac Straits Health System’s hospital in St. Ignace and is recuperating at home and does not have a recent international travel history.

“Our community is special in so many ways, but we are not immune to COVID-19”, said hospital CEO Karen Cheeseman. “This virus has quickly spread north and it has now hit home for us. We urge you to stay home in accordance with the Governor’s orders. Our organization exists to care for this community and our dedicated staff is our most valuable asset. Please help us protect them and our patients by taking this seriously and staying home.”

Employees who may have been affected have been notified.

Everyone who enters the St. Ignace hospital will continue to be screened for a fever and potential exposure to others infected with the novel coronavirus. Mackinac Straits Health System reminds the public to continue proper hand washing technique, practice social distancing, and stay home if you are feeling ill. The health system is also following all public health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding the use of personal protection equipment.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services website at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, which is updated daily at 2 p.m. The state also has a COVID-19 hotline at (800) 535-6136.

Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace is a 15-bed critical access hospital with rural health clinic, oncology clinic, outpatient surgical center, Tribal Health Clinic, pharmacy, emergency room, walk-in clinic, and a 48-bed long-term care facility. Satellite facilities are Bois Blanc Island Medical Center, Mackinaw City Medical and Specialty clinics, Mackinac Island Medical Center, and the Rivertown Medical Clinic in Cheboygan.