The Health Department of Northwest Michigan is issuing the following advisory to protect the health of the public in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties.
On November 15th, 2020, the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services signed Emergency Order Under MCL 333.2253 – G atherings and Face Mask Order to contain the spread of COVID-19, as Michigan continues to see a surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The new emergency order enacts a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.
Locally, we have experienced a near 10-fold increase in cases over the past 2 months. Our hospital systems are reporting they are reaching critical capacity limits for both beds and staffing. The deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in our region have reached the highest they have ever been and the COVID-19 risk level for all our counties is now considered highest risk, signifying widespread community transmission.
Therefore, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan is issuing this Public Health Advisory to provide heightened guidance for our residents to best protect themselves and others.This Public Health Advisory will remain in effect until lifted and will replace all previously issued Public Health Advisories.The cooperation of all businesses and residents in following best practices and safety precautions is needed to prevent an unmanageable surge on our local healthcare systems, to protect the health and safety of citizens, as well as to prevent additional restrictions and closures. The Health Department of Northwest Michigan continues to urge everyone to wear a facial covering in public places, practice social distancing, and exercise good hand hygiene and to comply with the public health orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Increased gathering with others, travel, and movement in and about local business establishments during the upcoming holiday celebrations presents additional risk to our hospitals, business, and community members. It is easy t o ‘let our guard down’ in what has always been deemed our safe places, our homes and those of our good friends and relatives. Unfortunately, viral transmission is most common, and infection rates are increased, with prolonged exposure times indoors especially when in close proximity to others, which describes typical gatherings with family and close friends.
