Lisa Peacock, Health Officer for the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department and a member of the Governor's Task Force, provides an update on COVID-19 within Benzie County. Her office prepares a weekly update on their website.
A focus of the Health Department in recent days has been the opening of schools. The Health Department expects more cases; the Department's goal is to contain transmission.
In Benzie County a large number of people showing COVID symptoms are 20-29 years of age. Asymptomatic cases continue to be difficult in terms of contact tracing. Fifteen minutes of close contact is considered exposure to justify quarantining.
Testing is important and is being ramped up in the area, with more testing through the National Guard and at testing/flu clinics. In addition to COVID preventative measures like masks and distancing, Lisa reminded us not to overlook ongoing concerns like mental health, dental issues and annual flu shots (as soon as possible).
The Health Department is preparing for the availability of a vaccine in November. Vaccination will involve two shots, 28 days apart, and will be highly prioritized.