Possible virus exposure at local church

New death in Montcalm

An Isabella County church has been announced as a potential COVID-19 exposure site.

Two people who attend the marantha Baptist Church, 5282 E. Airport Road, have tested positive for the disease, said a press release from the Central Michigan District Health Department.

“During the case investigations conducted by the Central Michigan district health Department, it was determined that numerous individuals who attended services or any gatherings at the church from September 24, 2020 to October 1, 2020, may have been exposed to COVID-19,” the press release said. “Additional cases could be seen in the coming days.”

The press release advises people who attended services there to self-monitor for symptoms, which could present anywhere

from two to 14 days. Some of those symptoms include fever or chill, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of smell or taste, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

WHILE C OVID -19 is popularly viewed as a respiratory infection, the protein that allows it to invade cells is found in several bodily systems, giving it a wide range of symptoms.

“We continue to see cases in situations where preventive measures are not being followed,” said Dr. Jennifer Morse, Cmd hd medical director. “It is very important to continue to take the only steps we have to keep COVID-19 from getting worse. That includes staying home when ill, avoiding crowded areas, keeping at least 6 feet apart fromothers, wearing a mask when in public, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent hand washing.”

Isabella County added three cases overnight, bringing its total from 642 to 645, with 14 deaths.

Three more cases were also reported in Gratiot County, bringing its cumulative total to 258, with 15 deaths. One more case was reported in Clare County, bringing its total to 105 cases, with four deaths.

Elsewhere in mid-michigan, four more cases were announced in Montcalm County, bringing its cumulative total to 320. The county’s seventh death was also announced Thursday

Six more cases were announced in Mecosta County, bringing its cumulative total to 220, with three deaths. In Midland County, 11 new cases were announced for a cumulative total of 536, with 11 deaths.

Gladwin County remained unchanged at 95 cumulative cases, with two deaths.

Statewide, 891 cases were announced for a cumulative total of 125,578. Another 19 deaths were announced for a total of 6,781. Eleven of those were discovered during a review of death records within the last 30 days.