HASTINGS, MI -- COVID-19 cases found in attendees of a series of events including the performance of “Young Frankenstein” have led to a warning from the health department.
About 300 people who attended the events connected to the community performance should consider themselves to be exposed to COVID, local health officials said in a news release.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) was made aware of the events in Barry County where several individuals who attended later tested positive for COVID-19, the agency said.
The three events tied to “Young Frankenstein” occurred at the Barry Community Enrichment Center in Hastings on the following dates:
- Wednesday, May 4: Dress rehearsal (About 70 people attended)
- Thursday, May 5: Performance (About 115 people attended)
- Thursday, May 5: After performance gathering (About 115 people attended)
The event organizers decided to cancel the remaining performances out of an abundance of caution.
These events are an example of how quickly COVID-19 can spread through a community via large gatherings or events, health officials said.
To keep the community safe and protect folks who are most vulnerable, the local health department is encouraging those who attended and are unvaccinated or at high risk of severe illness to:
• Get tested at least five days after exposure
• Watch for symptoms until 10 days after exposure
• If symptoms develop, isolate immediately and get tested
• Wear a well-fitting mask in public
• Avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19
To be safe at large events this summer, everyone is encouraged to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, get tested before and after large events (and monitor for symptoms after an event), social distance when appropriate and wear a mask if you believe you may be at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. COVID-19 rapid antigen testing and PCR testing are available to individuals of any age, regardless of symptoms, the health department said.
On May 5, the Thornapple Players began its performances of the Mel Brooks musical that was adapted from his film of the same name.
“Due to illness throughout the cast, the Thornapple Players’ production of Young Frankenstein has been postponed. The remaining performances will be rescheduled for a later date. New dates are TBD,” the Thornapple Arts Council posted on its website.
For more information, visit https://barryeatonhealth.org/covid-19-center or www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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