BIRHC COVID-19 Update

[BI Rural Health Center]

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has confirmed with the Beaver Island Rural Health Center that contact tracing with the person who recently tested positive for the active COVID-19 virus has been completed. The individual left the island via personal transportation following testing and has quarantined on the mainland. Prior to testing 7/23, the person had visited Powers Hardware and Island Energies wearing a facial mask in both instances, and both businesses were notified upon receipt of results. No testing should be required of individuals unless they have been contacted by the Health Department or exhibit symptoms consistent with the CDC guidelines, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, among others. If you have any questions, please contact the BIRHC at 231-448-2275.

[pbona]

Thank You BIRHC!

[K.D. McBride]

BIRHC has been doing an excellent job of testing and keeping the public informed on their website: www.biruralhealth.org and this Forum. A very good public service during these times. I too echo the Thank You!

[BI Rural Health Center]

The BIRHC has received clarification that the businesses were not notified by the Health Department. Health Department protocols focus on higher risk exposures including 15 minutes or more of contact and therefore considered the visits to these businesses to be low risk. The patient has been contacted and will be getting in touch with the businesses directly.

[JFPowers]

Powers Hardware received notification that the person involved was in the hardware store and made a purchase at 11:18 am on Sunday July 19. They were alone in the hardware at the time, we had a sale 8 minutes prior and 3 minutes after the transaction. The staff involved and the person involved both wore masks, a credit card was used and social distance was maintained during the transaction. All those working in the hardware although being considered a low risk are closely monitoring for symptoms and will continue for several more days.