90 COVID cases identified at correctional facility in Ionia, health officials say

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IONIA, me. – Ninety cases of SARS-CoV-2 B117 have been identified at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Officials said the cases were identified after daily testing of detainees and unit staff. Testing began when an employee tested positive for the variant, prompting the Michigan Department of Corrections to perform daily tests.

In the first group of samples sent to MDHHS, 90 of the 95 tests proved to be positive for the variant. According to health officials, of the 90 cases, 88 are prisoners and two are employees. Over 100 lab results are still pending.

Health officials recommend that Michiganders:

  • Wash your hands often.

  • Wear a mask around the others.

  • Stay 6 feet away from the others.

  • Ventilate indoor spaces.

  • Develop a plan to get the vaccine when the opportunity becomes available.

Officials said the number of positive COVID-19 cases per unit has decreased.

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Earlier this month, the variant was identified in Kent County after it was already identified in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Last week, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said there were two confirmed cases of the variant in the city.

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