Coronavirus COVID-19
*We are currently scheduling appointments for Phase 1A, Phase 1B (those over age 75, first responders, child care workers, school employees, and corrections staff), and Phase 1C (65 years and older). We will contact you, please do not call us to schedule/check where you are one the list.
Sign up to receive information about when you can schedule a vaccination appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Sign Up Form for Phase 1a and 1b. *there will not be a confirmation email/number.
Seniors can call the Aging Hotline at 231-715-5557 for information about where vaccines are currently available.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING TO HELP WITH COVID VACCINE CLINICS?
Volunteer Registration Information
COVID-19 Inquiry/Question Form
or email questions to hotline@bldhd.org
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
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 daily monitoring of travelers who may have been exposed; coordination of testing for those who meet testing criteria; and providing information to health care providers and the public.
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
Daily Updates
Update 1-11-2021 Update 1-8-2021 Update 1-7-2021 Update 1-6-2021 Update 1-5-2021
Update 1-4-2021 Update 12-30-2020 Update 12-29-2020 Update 12-28-2020 Update 12-23-2020
Update 12-22-2020 Update 12-21-2020 Update 12-18-2020 Update 12-17-2020 Update 12-16-2020
Update 12-15-2020 Update 12-14-2020 Update 12-11-2020 Update 12-10-2020 Update 12-9-2020
Update 12-8-2020 Update 12-7-2020 Update 12-4-2020 Update 12-3-2020 Update 12-2-2020
Update 12-1-2020 Update 11-30-2020 Update 11-25-2020 Update 11-24-2020 Update 11-23-2020
Update 11-20-2020 Update 11-19-2020 Update 11-18-2020 Update 11-17-2020 Update 11-16-2020
Update 11-13-2020 Update 11-12-2020 Update 11-10-2020 Update 11-9-2020 Update 11-6-2020
Update 11-5-2020 Update 11-4-2020 Update 11-3-2020 Update 11-2-2020 Update 10-30-2020
Update 10-29-2020 Update 10-28-2020 Update 10-27-2020 Update 10-26-2020 Update 10-23-2020
Update 10-22-2020 Update 10-21-2020 Update 10-20-2020 Update 10-19-2020 Update 10-16-2020
Update 10-15-2020 Update 10-14-2020 Update 10-13-2020 Update 10-12-2020 Update 10-9-2020
Update 10-8-2020 Update 10-7-2020 Update 10-6-2020 Update 10-5-2020 Update 10-2-2020
Update 10-1-2020 Update 9-30-2020 Update 9-29-2020 Update 9-28-2020 Update 9-25-2020
Update 9-24-2020 Update 9-23-2020 Update 9-22-2020 Update 9-21-2020 Update 9-18-2020
Update 9-17-2020 Update 9-16-2020 Update 9-15-2020 Update 9-14-2020 Update 9-11-2020
Update 9-10-2020 Update 9-9-2020 Update 9-8-2020 Update 9-4-2020 Update 9-3-2020
Update 9-2-2020 Update 9-1-2020 Update 8-31-2020 Update 8-28-2020 Update 8-27-2020
Update 8-26-2020 Update 8-25-2020 Update 8-24-2020 Update 8-21-2020 Update 8-20-2020
Update 8-19-2020 Update 8-18-2020 Update 8-17-2020 Update 8-14-2020 Update 8-13-2020
Update 8-12-2020 Update 8-11-2020 Update 8-10-2020 Update 8-7-2020 Update 8-6-2020
Update 8-5-2020 Update 8-4-2020 Update 8-3-2020 Update 7-31-2020 Update 7-30-2020
Update 7-29-2020 Update 7-28-2020 Update 7-27-2020 Update 7-24-2020 Update 7-23-2020
Update 7-22-2020 Update 7-21-2020 Update 7-20-2020 Update 7-17-2020 Update 7-16-2020
Update 7-15-2020 Update 7-14-2020 Update 7-9-2020 Update 7-7-2020 Update 7-6-2020
Update 7-2-2020 Update 6-30-2020 Update 6-25-2020 Update 6-23-2020 Update 6-18-2020
Update 6-16-2020 Update 6-11-2020 Update 6-9-2020 Update 6-4-2020 Update 6-2-2020
Update 5-29-2020 Update 5-27-2020 Update 5-22-2020 Update 5-20-2020 Update 5-18-2020
Update 5-15-2020 Update 5-13-2020 Update 5-11-2020 Update 5-8-2020 Update 5-6-2020
Update 5-4-2020 Update 5-1-2020 Update 4-30-2020 Update 4-29-2020 Update 4-28-2020
Update 4-27-2020 Update 4-25-2020 Update 4-24-2020 Update 4-23-2020 Update 4-22-2020
Update 4-21-2020 Update 4-20-2020 Update 4-19-2020 Update 4-18-2020 Update 4-17-2020
Update 4-16-2020 Update 4-15-2020 Update 4-14-2020 Update 4-13-2020 Update 4-10-2020
Update 4-9-2020 Update 4-8-2020 Update 4-7-2020 Update 4-6-2020 Update 4-3-2020
Update 4-2-2020 Update 4-1-2020 Update 3-31-2020 Update 3-30-2020 Update 3-27-2020
Press Releases and other Communication
Press Release 6-16-2020- Drive-Thru Testing for COVID-19
Public Health Emergency Order 2020-4- [No longer effective]
Public Health Emergency Order 2020-3- [No longer effective]
Press Release 4-17-2020- First case in Benzie
Public Health Emergency Order 2020-2 [No longer effective]
Public Health Advisory 6-10-2020
Press Release 3-16-2020- First Case in Leelanau
Press Release 3-16-2020- Alert for Travelers
Public Health Alert 3-12-2020 Spanish
Press Release 3-4-2020 -Prepare, Not Panic
Health Care Provider Update 2-28-2020
Community Partner Meeting Minutes
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*
Flyer
Social Distancing- Beach Towel
Social Distancing- Picnic Table
Thanksgiving- Tips for celebrating safely
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.
Guidance and Recommended Information
Where to find updated information about COVID-19:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Household and Family Information:
MDHHS COVID-19 Toolkit- 11/16/2020
MDHHS PPE Optimization 4-1-2020
When Should You See a Doctor and Get Tested?
Guidance for pregnant and breastfeeding women
CDC Guidance for Households and Families
Healthcare Providers Information:
Criteria to Guide Evaluation and Laboratory Testing for COVID-19 3-25-2020
If You Have COVID-19- Isolation Instructions
If You Have Been Exposed to Someone With COVID-19 Information
Specimen Collection and Shipping Instructions
Infection Prevention Recommendations for Health Care Settings
Protecting yourself from COVID-19
Guidance for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission
Schools and Childcare Information:
Schools and Childcare Guidance
Safe Childcare Operations from LARA
Businesses and Employees Information:
COVID-19 Webinar and Video List for Businesses
Coronavirus and Retail Workers
CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Difference from Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT:
Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services- 4/2020
Free COVID-19 Related ServSafe Video
COVID-19 Response Plan Template PDF
Additional Guidance:
Long Term Care Facilities Guidance
Actions For Caregivers of Older Adults 3-25-2020 FAQ
Large Gathering:
Churches and Faith-based Communities
Large Community Events & Mass Gatherings