LMAS District Health Department in partnership with the Michigan National Guard and other local partners has conducted five drive-through COVID-testing sites throughout the four counties.
All persons tested were able to see their test results in just a matter of days after testing through an online portal.
LMAS Public Health Nurses contacted any positive cases on the date received and began the tracing and investigation process, as they do for any testing that occurs.
Four additional testing opportunities for employees on Mackinac Island are occurring through August.
Of the 1006 completed tests at the five LMAS drive-through COVID-19 test sites, 99% (996) were negative.
That is good news, but it is important to look at the details of those tested.
First, 749 (75%) of those tested were over the age of 50. Second, the largest single age group tested, ages 61-70 had 293 tests, accounting for 29% of the site totals. Combining the three oldest age cohorts into one group (ages 71-100+), there were 304 people tested accounting for 30% of the total.
The majority of those tested, reported that they have been staying home, always wearing a cloth face covering if they have to go out in public, and maintaining physical distancing from those not in their household.
Those age 18-39 (179) represented 18% of the total. For the positives, there were 8 confirmed, 7 of those were in counties elsewhere in Michigan or out of state. The one local positive identified was in Mackinac County and contact tracing and case investigation was completed.
August testing for workers on Mackinac Island continue with two more testing dates through August 26th. As of August 15, 2020, 148 employees have been tested on the Island and all have been negative.
Any COVID-19 testing gives a snapshot of that moment in time. LMAS District Health Department urges residents and visitors to maintain distance, wear a cloth face covering when distance cannot be maintained – indoors or outdoors – unless you are with people from your own household.
We do understand that many are feeling “pandemic fatigue” and just want to go back to normal, everyday life. We at LMAS encourage you to do as many normal activities you can to enjoy the beautiful summer days of the Upper Peninsula – just make some adjustments, reduce the number of people gathered, wear your masks as directed, wash your hands often or use sanitizer.
We will get through this together, but we must continue our efforts through the coming months.
In the last two weeks, the entire Upper Peninsula has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, including in
the LMAS counties. For daily case count updates by county, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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