Ionia Free Fair attendees who are not fully vaccinated are urged to get tested
The Ionia County Health Department is conducting an investigation of cases of COVID-19 illness associated with the Ionia Free Fair, held July 16-24.
At least 10 cases of COVID-19 have been associated with this year’s attendees, including individuals who were at the festival while they were symptomatic and infectious. If you attended the Ionia Free Fair, you may have been exposed to the virus.
“Attendees at the festival may have been exposed and are urged to get tested if they are not fully vaccinated or if they develop symptoms” said Ionia County Health Officer Ken Bowen. People with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or have a wide range of symptoms – from mild to severe illness. Symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:
-Fever or chills
-Cough
-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
-Fatigue
-Muscle or body aches
-Headache
-New loss of taste or smell
-Congestion or runny nose
-Nausea or vomiting
-Diarrhea
Individuals experiencing severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds should seek emergency care immediately.
Attendees of the Ionia Free Fair are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 if they have not been fullyvaccinated, or have been vaccinated, but develop symptoms. Testing sites are available across the state, many of them offering free COVID-19 testing. Please visit Michigan.gov/coronavirustest to find a testing site near you.
