According to health officials, 90 cases of COVID variant have been identified in the correctional facility in Ionia

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IONIA, me. – According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, ninety cases of the SARS-CoV-2 B117 variant have been identified at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia.

Officials said the cases were identified after daily tests of inmates and staff at the facility. Testing began when an employee tested positive for the variant, prompting the Michigan Department of Corrections to test daily.

In the first group of samples sent to MDHHS, 90 out of 95 tests were found to be positive for the variant. Health officials say of those 90 cases, 88 are prisoners and two are employees. More than 100 laboratory results are still pending.

Health officials recommend that Michiganders:

  • Wash your hands often.

  • Wear a mask around others.

  • Stay 6 feet away from others.

  • Ventilate indoor areas.

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

Officials said the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the facility has declined.

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Earlier this month, the variant was identified in Kent County, having already been identified in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Last week, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said there are two confirmed cases of the variant in the city.

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