St. C lair County Health Department issues COVID order

The St. Clair County Health Department has issued a County Public Health Order establishing procedures for the Quarantine of Persons Identified as COVID-19 Close Contacts. The County’s Medical Health Officer issued a Public Health Order addressing COVID-19 quarantine measures Friday.

The Order reaffirms the existing Michigan Public Health Code and details the requirements for any individual who resides, attends school or is employed within St. Clair County that is notified by the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), a local school district, or an agent thereof, that they are a COVID-19 close contact, is ordered to quarantine for ten (10) days, or such other duration as may be required in a written public notice issued by the St. Clair County Health Department.

The Order is effective August 20, 2021 and remains in effect until further Order of the Medical Health Officer. The Public Health Order, based upon the most recent facts about the virus, is intended to protect vulnerable individuals and people who are not yet vaccinated, reduce transmission of COVID-19 in schools, workplaces, etc.

Highlights of the Order include:
• Upon request, confirmed and probable cases, businesses, schools, and other facilities must provide the names and phone numbers of individuals with possible COVID-19 exposure to MDHHS and local health departments to aid in contact tracing and case investigation efforts.
• This order does not apply to individuals who are fully vaccinated, as defined by the CDC Guidelines, or who have had documented COVID-19 in the last 90 days and are currently asymptomatic.
• An employer, school, or other organization that requires or permits a close contact to act contrary to this Order is also in violation of this Order and subject to the penalties prescribed by the Michigan Public Health Code.
• A person or organization who violates an order of a local health officer is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to serious civil and/or criminal penalties per MCL 333.2443.

“Quarantine of a healthy individual who is identified as a close contact is necessary to control community transmission of COVID-19”, stated Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer. “We understand how difficult the last 18 months have been on everyone, however it is our duty to protect the health of our community and work to control the spread of this virus.”

The St. Clair County Health Department continues to monitor the situation and will respond accordingly to best protect our community.

Updates are available on the health department website www.scchealth.co and on social media @scchdmi.