Sherwood Forest event identified as COVID-19 exposure site.

Sherwood Forest event identified as COVID-19 exposure site.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

ROTHBURY — The Double JJ Resort has been identified by District Health Department #10 as a COVID-19 exposure site after a Kalamazoo County resident tested positive who attended the resort’s Sherwood Forest Appreciation Weekend June 25–28.

“District Health Department #10 was notified by Kalamazoo County Health Department that one of their residents who has tested positive for COVID-19 attended the Sherwood Forest Appreciation Weekend event in Oceana County,” states a DHD #10 press release. The site was identified “due to the crowded conditions and challenges for proper social distancing at this event.”

The gathering resulted in two “imminent danger” violations against executive orders aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, DHD-10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes stated June 30. However, the resort was not sanctioned.

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Hughes said Double JJ sold 650 wristbands for the event, which far exceeds the state’s 250-person capacity order for outdoor gatherings.

Sherwood Forest Appreciation Weekend was a tribute to the gigantic Electric Forest Festival held at the resort annually – that attracts 40,000 or more people — and was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“If you were at this location during the listed time period, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days since the possible exposure,” states a DHD #10 press release. “Anyone that is self-monitoring as a result should keep away from family, close contacts and roommates as much as possible. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and recent loss of taste or smell. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should immediately quarantine themselves and contact a medical provider.

“While DHD#10 will release information about public exposure sites when it is determined through investigation that it’s not possible to identify all close contacts, everyone needs to remember that approximately 40 percent of COVID-19 cases appear to be asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cases are especially difficult because they are not sick and therefore not staying home. Additionally, contagious individuals can spread virus prior to experiencing symptoms.”

“We continue to see increased cases of COVID-19 in the community making it more important than ever for everyone to follow the prevention measures that have been promoted: wearing masks or face coverings, social distancing, and following proper hygiene,” said Hughes.

COVID-19 cases have been rapidly on the rise in Oceana County with 343 total cases as of July 7, including four deaths.

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