District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) was notified that two restaurants, one in Big Rapids and one in Newaygo, had individuals that tested positive for COVID-19 present and potentially contagious in their facilities. The Gypsy Nickel Lounge in Big Rapids had COVID-19-positive individuals present on October 15, 16 and 17. In Newaygo, Northern Trails Bar & Grill had COVID-19-positive individuals present on October 16 and October 22. These are considered high-risk exposures because individuals could have had close contact with a positive case that DHD#10 cannot identify or notify through contact tracing. 

If you were at the above locations on the dates and times listed, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days from the possible exposure date. Anyone that is self-monitoring as a result should keep away from family, close contacts, and roommates as much as possible. 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. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should immediately quarantine themselves and contact a medical provider.  

DHD#10 will release information about high-risk public exposure sites when it is determined through investigation that it’s not possible to identify all close contacts.  DHD#10 will no longer publish low-risk exposure sites where a COVID-19 positive individual was present but did not have close contact with others or we are able to notify close contacts through contact tracing. It is important to remember that 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. Additionally, contagious individuals can spread virus prior to experiencing symptoms.  

For more information about COVID-19, go to: www.dhd10.org/coronavirus, www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, or www.cdc.com/coronavirus.