Coronavirus COVID-19

Click the links below for information:

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH COVID VACCINATION

Questions and inquiries can be emailed to hotline@bldhd.org

COVID-19 CASE DATA

Coronaviruses are types of viruses that typically affect the respiratory tract of birds and mammals, including humans. These viruses are associated with common illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and the common cold, and also with more severe illnesses such as SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome). SARS-COV-2 is a type of coronavirus that has not been previously identified.

Note on Case Counts: Before December 3, 2020 reporting of COVID-19 cases was separated between confirmed and probable cases, defined as follows:
Confirmed cases: Confirmed cases only include people who test positive for COVID-19.
Probable cases: Probable cases are close contacts of confirmed cases who develop symptoms; they may become confirmed cases if they test positive.

Note on Confirmed Cases by Zip Code: In an effort to provide more comprehensive data about confirmed and probable cases in our health jurisdiction, we are now reporting the number of confirmed cases by zip code for our two counties. Zipcodes with less than 5 cases are noted by "<5" to protect potentially identifiable information.

Recovered: Per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Recovered Cases are defined as the number of persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset of symptoms. As the pandemic continues to impact Michigan, this pool will expand to include more cases. The number of persons recovered on May 1, 2020, represents COVID-19 confirmed individuals with an onset date on or prior to April 1, 2020. If an individual dies from a COVID-related cause >30 days from onset, they are removed from the number of persons recovered. The source of the data is the Michigan Disease Surveillance System and Vital Records.

Note on case counts: Use caution when interpreting case count information.

The true number of COVID-19 cases is likely higher than we know.

Given the national shortage of testing supplies, tests are only given to people who meet priority criteria where there are testing supplies available. Click here to view the criteria for testing.
Some people who have COVID-19 will be asymptomatic (not show symptoms) and therefore may not be tested.
Laboratories may be backlogged with tests, so results can take days. In some cases, sick individuals may recover before their case is added to local, state, and national counts.

What is the health department doing in response to COVID-19?

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is working with federal, state, and local partners to coordinate the response to COVID-19. This includes investigation and contact tracing of newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases; coordination of testing for those who meet criteria; providing information to health care providers and the public; and planning and conducting COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Where can I get COVID-19 Tested?

What to do if you're exposed to COVID-19

What to do if you're diagnosed with COVID-19

What Should Individuals Be Doing To Protect Themselves?

The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to follow the same general guidelines to protect yourself from flu and other common illnesses.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating, before touching your face/eyes/mouth, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces that have been touched by many others. Wash for at least 20 seconds. if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue
Clean frequently touched objects with regular household cleaners
Stay home if you are ill

A note about facemasks: Homemade facemasks are recommended for the general population. It is recommended that N-95 masks and surgical masks be used by health care workers who are caring for patients with COVID-19 but not by the general public.

Face Covering Guidance

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Social Distancing- Thank You

Social Distancing- Beach Towel

Social Distancing- Picnic Table

Mask- Do's and Don't

Reduce your Risk

Mask Flyer

Mask Flyer- thank you

Thanksgiving- Tips for celebrating safely

Scenarios

If you test positive

COVID-19 Information Hotlines

If you have questions, please call our Public Health Information Line - 1-231-882-2197. (Voicemail Box for COVID-19 questions answered by Public Health Professionals)

MDHHS Hotline: 1-888-535-6136 or email COVID19@michigan.gov
(Experts answering COVID-19-related questions - Open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 7 days a week)

Munson Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline: 231-935-0951
(Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19, Options to speak with a Munson Team Member - Recording available 24/7)

2-1-1 Hotline
(Get connected with needed resources from across our communities - Calls - 24 hours, Text & Chat, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday)

Information about COVID-19 is rapidly changing so the best way to educate yourself is to follow the links below for the most credible, up-to-date information.