Several Teens Test Positive for COVID-19, Linked to Grad Parties in Forest Hills

After several teens started testing positive for COVID-19, the Kent County Health Department has linked it back to graduation parties in Forest Hills.

They’re calling it the largest coronavirus cluster in the county associated with a private event (via WOOD-TV).

After the Health Department received positive COVID-19 cases they noticed a commonality: all were coming from the same zip code that hadn't seen many cases previously. Kent County's epidemiologist, Dr. Brian Hartl, told WOOD-TV that when they see an uptick like this they have to question "what's going on there?"

After interviewing 21 teenagers, health officials discovered they had all attended a grad party or an after party in Forest Hills the weekend of July 18. According to WOOD-TV, the grad party was held at Watermark Country Club and the after party was at a private residence.

Watermark declined to comment on the party. A staff member told News 8 that once the party moved inside, guests did not wear masks or practice social distancing.

Another graduation party at an unknown restaurant in Forest Hills is another source where cases are being traced back to.

The health department is once again reminding people that when they gather in groups to practice social distancing ,and if there's food to limit the amount of people who can touch the food.

After Governor Whitmer's most recent executive order, it doesn't seem as if large [indoor] graduation parties will continue the rest of the summer. On Wednesday, the Governor ordered a limit of 10 people for indoor gatherings (including Traverse City and the U.P.) and 100 for outdoor. In addition, all bars must close indoor service if 70%+ of sales come from alcohol. The order goes into effect on Friday, the 31st.