Chippewa County Health Dept reports two additional cases of COVID-19 – and possibly more

CHIPPEWA County, Michigan – On June 27, 2020, Chippewa County Health Department (CCHD) was notified two Chippewa County residents had tested positive for COVID-19. The identified individuals are adult males ages 61 and 70. The individuals began developing symptoms approximately one week ago and then tested positive. The individuals are under home isolation in accordance with current guidelines. CCHD staff notified people who were identified as close contacts (also called “contact tracing”). The identified contacts will be assessed for symptoms and monitored appropriately.

Through continued case investigation and contact tracing stemming from two positive COVID-19 cases over the weekend, Chippewa County Health Department (CCHD) has determined there maybe additional, undiagnosed
COVID-19 cases within the Amish community.

As this situation evolves, CCHD staff are reaching out to individuals whose names have been provided by positive individuals during contact trace. If you have not been contacted by CCHD staff but have had direct, sustained contact with any symptomatic member of the Amish community or other positive individuals within the last two weeks, please monitor for symptoms and contact the health department at 906-635-1566.

Chippewa County residents are asked to continue to treat our Amish community members with kindness and support.

With contact tracing and case investigation conducted by LMAS District Health Department and Chippewa County Health Department, the following locations have been identified as possible exposure sites for COVID-19:

June 20, 2020 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
AGLOW meeting, Ashmun Creek Apartments Community Room, Sault, MI

June 20, 2020 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pickford Pickers, Pickford Township Hall, Pickford, MI

June 20, 2020 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sundown Lounge, Sault, MI

June 21, 2020 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Pickford Methodist Church, Pickford, MI

June 21, 2020 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
E-Free Church, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

If you were present at any of these locations during the dates and times noted, please monitor for symptoms and contact your health department. For Mackinac County residents, please call 906-643-1100. For Chippewa County residents, please call 906-635- 1566.

This situation is evolving rapidly and information will be provided as it becomes known.

The health department is again reminding residents to always assume the virus is present when they are in public places and take all recommended prevention measures: wear a face covering when in close contact with others or indoor areas, follow social distancing guidelines (distance of 6 feet or more), and avoid large gatherings, especially indoors or places where sustained contact can occur.

While Chippewa County is in Phase 5 of Michigan’s Reopening Plan, CCHD has been expecting additional cases as the State of Michigan continues to expand openings.

Chippewa County residents should take precautions and make choices to protect themselves.