CHIPPEWA COUNTY, MICHIGAN – There may be additional, undiagnosed cases of COVID-19 within the Amish community, the Chippewa County Health Department says, after two cases were confirmed over the weekend.
Health Department staff are reaching out to people whose names have been provided by those who tested positive for the virus, and are asking people who have had direct, lengthy contact with any symptomatic member of the Amish community - or other positive individuals within the last two weeks - to monitor for symptoms and contact the health department at 906-635-1566.
Chippewa County residents are asked to continue to treat our Amish community members with kindness and support.
The health department is again reminding residents to always assume the virus is present when they are in public places and take all recommended prevention measures, such as wearing a face-covering when in close contact with others or indoor areas, following social distancing guidelines (distance of six feet or more), and avoiding large gatherings, especially indoors or places where sustained contact can occur.
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to safely recover at home. Seek medical care if your symptoms worsen by calling ahead to your provider.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and/or diarrhea.
For Chippewa County updates, follow CCHD at chippewahd.com or on Facebook @chippewacountyhealth.