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During the July 4th weekend, numerous residents of Michigan endeavored to reclaim a sense of normalcy that prevailed before the onset of COVID-19.
Nevertheless, the aforementioned experience has resulted in the detection of positive COVID-19 cases in the Traverse City region, including Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.
Positive COVID-19 test at Turtle Creek
The Grand Traverse County Health Department issued a report on July 5, informing about COVID-19 exposure at Turtle Creek.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported that individuals were potentially exposed to COVID-19 at the casino on July 5, specifically during the timeframe of 8-9:15 p.m. while playing blackjack. To ensure their safety, the Health Department advised all blackjack players during that time to closely observe for any symptoms related to COVID-19, undergo testing, and follow quarantine guidelines.
The security staff at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel has verified that the guest who tested positive had their temperature checked upon arrival and consistently wore a mask while on the casino floor.
The health department was collaborating with Turtle Creek for contact tracing following the incident.
In a press release, Turtle Creek Casino’s CEO Michael Schrader emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety for both employees and guests. He highlighted the various measures implemented such as mandatory mask requirements, plexi-shield precautions, social distancing, frequent deep cleaning, and enhanced ventilation systems. Despite these measures limiting exposure, Schrader emphasized the need to promptly inform the public to further ensure everyone’s safety.
Since reopening, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel has introduced new health policies but continues to remain open.
In addition to wearing a mandatory mask, guests showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed entry. Turtle Creek has also implemented additional social distancing measures across the gaming floor.
Turtle Creek proactive with COVID-19 testing
In late May, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel arranged a complimentary COVID-19 testing facility at Turtle Creek Stadium, ahead of its reopening.
The testing was carried out by the Grand Traverse County Health Department in collaboration with the Michigan National Guard.
The Traverse City Pit Spitters, a baseball team from the Northwoods League, call Turtle Creek Stadium their home.
A two-day testing event was organized on May 29 and 30 to conduct COVID-19 testing for over 800 residents.
The Pit Spitters’ 2020 season start was postponed due to some Northwoods League members testing positive for COVID-19. Nevertheless, the team will resume playing on Sunday, July 19.
Traverse City sees uptick in cases
On July 4, the Traverse City area played host to a significant gathering at Torch Lake, in addition to the positive exposure received at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel on July 5.
After a large gathering of both locals and out-of-towners at the sandbar, officials designated Torch Lake as a location of potential COVID-19 exposure. A week later, several individuals who attended the event tested positive for the virus.
According to health officials, a significant number of individuals at the sandbar were potentially exposed to the virus, but the exact count of positive cases remains undetermined at this time.
Since testing began, the Grand Traverse County Health Department has reported a total of 100 positive cases of COVID-19, resulting in five fatalities.
Since July 1st, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases in the county. Out of the 100 total cases, 55 have been reported in the past two weeks alone. The highest number of cases, eight, was recorded on July 9th. On Tuesday, the same number of cases was reported, matching the previous high.
Since the beginning of July, Michigan has experienced a continuous rise in COVID-19 cases, with Thursday’s count reaching 584 new positive cases. However, despite the increasing number of cases, the state has managed to keep daily deaths consistently below 10 throughout the month.
