Health department warns of potential COVID-19 exposure at several locations in Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. — District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) is alerting the public to potential COVID-19 exposures locations in Alpena. Individuals who have tested positive have been to the listed public locations making it difficult for the health deparmtn contact tracing team to identify all of the individuals who may have been potentially exposed.
Individuals who were present at the listed locations, at the designated time, have the potential for exposure:
• Rite Aid, Alpena, Friday, Sept. 18 — 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•Meijer, Alpena, Saturday, Sept. 19 — 3:00-3:45 p.m.
• Walmart, Alpena, Saturday, Sept. 19 — 8:30-9:00 a.m.
• Walmart, Alpena, Sunday, Sept. 20 — 3:00-4:00 p.m.
These individuals should monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 for 14 days from exposure date. If they do not develop symptoms within 14 days of these dates, there is nothing to be done. Those that develop symptoms within 14 days of these dates should immediately quarantine themselves and contact their doctor and consider COVID-19 testing.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and recent loss of taste or smell. There will be a drive thru COVID-19 testing event Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Alpena County Fairgrounds. No appoint or Dr’s order needed. Also, for COVID-19 testing call Alcona Health Center at (989) 356-4049, Ext. 3832 or Thunder Bay Community Health Services at (989) 733-6827.
Walgreens in Alpena and Cheboygan are now offering no-cost, contactless COVID-19 testing. Testing is at no cost to eligible individuals who meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and federal guidelines. Go to their website: www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing to register for an appointment.
The health department continues to urge residents and visitors to:
• Stay Home if you are sick
• Wear a mask in public spaces, as required by the Governor’s Executive Order
• Maintain social distancing – at least 6 feet
• Avoiding large gatherings
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
The health department reminds residents that, right now, large gatherings are one of the major ways COVID-19 is being spread. Approximately 40% of COVID-19 cases appear to be asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cases are especially difficult because they are not sick and therefore not staying home. Individuals can spread virus prior to experiencing symptoms.
For the latest COVID-19 information, visit our website at www.dhd4.org/covid19.
