WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — The Washtenaw County Health Department is alerting the public to the possibility of COVID-19 exposure for people who recently visited Ypsilanti Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2250.
The outbreak that has infected at least 31 people and exposed more than 40 other members, guests and staff to the virus is being attributed to multiple events and ongoing operations at the social club at 2935 Holmes Road between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, health officials said.
Face coverings and social distancing were reportedly used inconsistently or not at all, contributing to rapid spread of illness and the high number of exposures, county health officials said.
“This situation illustrates how quickly COVID-19 can spread and impact a large number of people, particularly when there are gatherings without good use of prevention measures like face coverings,” said Jimena Loveluck, Washtenaw County Health Department health officer.
Members of the Eagles organization are cooperating with the health department investigation and have closed the facility, health officials said. The health department also is investigating the possibility that people who attended the club visited other local and regional establishments while infectious.
With the current volume of cases, contact tracing calls from the Washtenaw County Health Department may be delayed, officials said.
The health department advises anyone who visited the club between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, to monitor themselves closely for any symptoms of COVID-19. They also should stay home as much as possible, maintain distance from others, including those in their household, and wear a mask when around others for 14 days after their last visit, health officials said.
Anyone recently visiting public locations or clubs without consistent use of face coverings, social distancing or with crowded or close conditions is encouraged seek COVID-19 testing, health officials said.
“With our local cases at their highest levels since the pandemic began and hospitalizations increasing, we all must do everything we can to prevent additional spread,” Loveluck said. “It’s up to us to work together to protect each other and our loved ones as well as our health care workers, public health workers and everyone serving and protecting the public.”
COVID-19 cases rise in Washtenaw County as risk of exposure reaches all-time high
Washtenaw County is encouraging anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to isolate at home away from others and seek testing.
No-cost testing is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 21, at the Washtenaw County Health Department, 555 Towner St., Ypsilanti. Individuals interested in taking advantage of the free testing can sign up to pre-register.
As of Nov. 17, Washtenaw County has reported 7,117 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In the last 24 hours, 156 new confirmed cases and 16 new hospitalizations have been reported, according the county’s COVID-19 dashboard.
A representative from the Ypsilanti Eagles club could not be reached for comment.
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