Chippewa County Health Department says it’s been overwhelmed by an ‘extreme outbreak’ of positive COVID-19 cases in the county after seeing more than 30 new confirmed cases since Monday.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 134 confirmed and 103 probable cases in the county Thursday. No deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.
On Tuesday, health officials in Chippewa County identified three bars in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - The Alpha Bar, The Merch and Savoy Bar - as potential exposure sites. Chippewa County Health Department is asking people who attended any of the three establishments Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to self-monitor for symptoms.
Algoma Public Health issued a special travel advisory Wednesday afternoon in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Chippewa County, advising those who regularly travel across the border for work or school to take additional precautions:
- Avoid cross-border travel and use virtual options if possible
- While in Chippewa County, protect yourself by avoiding crowded indoor spaces and staying two metres apart from other people at all times
- Once back in Algoma, protect others by staying home as much as possible for 14 days and not having close contact with others, especially vulnerable people who are elderly or have underlying health conditions
The advisory is in effect until Dec. 2.
Nearly 8,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered to date in Chippewa County, which has a population of 38,520.
