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Posted: July 30, 2020
BMRC hotel employee tests positive for COVID-19

BAY MILLS — A Bay Mills Resort & Casino hotel employee tested positive for COVID-19 today, Thursday, July 30. This is the first positive test result of a BMRC employee.

Officials from Bay Mills Indian Community immediately notified health authorities of the positive case and began a review of BMRC surveillance footage.

After meeting with the Chippewa County Health Dept. and consulting with BMIC health authorities, tribal officials have decided the casino and hotel will remain open.

“Risk guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control are being followed, as well as guidance from our local health authorities. Based on the information provided, the risk level to guests and employees remains the same as if you were out in the general public,” said BMIC Tribal Chairman Bryan Newland. “The employee was wearing a mask (as all BMRC employees are required) during their shift. All areas the employee came into contact with have been closed and will be sanitized.”

Current CDC guidelines define primary contact as any individual within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. The employee’s primary contacts have been identified and will be contacted by CCHD. Primary contacts will be advised to isolate for 14 days.

If you are not contacted by CCHD, you are not considered at risk for exposure from this individual.

All staff at BMRC will have the opportunity to be tested at Bay Mills Health Center on Tuesday, Aug. 4. BMHC will utilize rapid tests for employees, but appointments must be made.

As with any community member that tests positive for COVID-19, or is asked to isolate, community resources are available for everything from picking up groceries to arranging resources for a healthy recovery.

“Safety is our number one priority,” said Newland. “I encourage any community member or health center patient who has tested positive to reach out — you are not alone in this. We will help get you the resources you need for recovery.”

No further information is available at this time. Updates will be released when additional information becomes available.

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