90 cases of COVID variant identified at correctional facility in Ionia, health officials said

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

Authorities said the cases were identified after daily tests on inmates and unit officials. The test began when an employee tested positive for the variant, asking the Michigan Department of Corrections to conduct daily tests.

In the first group of samples sent to the MDHHS, 90 of the 95 tests were considered positive for the variant. According to health authorities, of those 90 cases, 88 are arrested and two are employed. More than 100 laboratory results are still pending.

Health authorities advise that Michiganders should:

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Wear a mask around other people.

• Stay 6 feet away from the others.

• Ventilate the internal spaces.

• Make a plan to get the vaccine when the opportunity arises.

Authorities said the number of positive cases for COVID-19 at the facility has decreased.

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Earlier this month, the variant was identified in Kent County after being 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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