ESCANABA — The local health department is suggesting precautions people attending the U.P. State Fair should take to help keep them safe from COVID-19. Unfortunately, last year’s fair had to be cancelled due to COVID restrictions. This year the fair is returning and Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) and the organizers of the U.P. State Fair want to make sure all attendees have an enjoyable and safe experience.

PHDM is recommending that U.P. State Fair-goers take precautions to protect themselves and the community against the spread of COVID-19. With the vast spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant across the United States and Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula and Delta County, all persons attending the U.P. State Fair should be aware of the steps they can take to reduce their risk of getting infected with or spreading COVID-19.

In light of the rapidly spreading Delta variant, PHDM recommends:

– Staying home if you are sick!

– Wearing a mask over the mouth and nose while inside public buildings, in crowded outdoor settings, and during activities that involve close contact with others

– Maintaining a 6-foot separation between you and anyone who does not live in your household, whenever possible.

– Practicing good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been a public place, before and after eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  

“Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties has provided portable hand-washing stations throughout the fairgrounds to make it easier for fairgoers to have a convenient place to wash their hands. Regular hand-washing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent spreading germs to others,” said Michael Snyder, health officer with Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties.

Since the onset of the pandemic PHDM has worked with the fair in planning and implementing mitigation strategies to provide a safer experience for all attendees. Strategies are in place to reduce congestion on the grounds. An increased number of hand-washing stations have been ordered, and fair management is working closely with Skerbeck

ntertainment Group and all vendors to consider public health recommendations to help mitigate risks.

“We are thankful to be able to have the fair this year as its economic and social impacts are very important for our community and the U.P.,” said Vickie Micheau, executive director of the U.P. State Fair. “The opportunity to ensure a multi-layered mitigation approach over cancellation is essential for our future operations. We will be diligent in our support of this effort and ask all of those who intend to support the fair to help do the same.”

“Please keep in mind that all children under 12 years of age are not yet eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine, and others, such as those with compromised immune systems, may be at greater risk of severe illness as a result of becoming infected with COVID-19. It is critically important that everyone adheres to CDC guidelines to ensure a healthy and enjoyable fair experience for all attendees,” officials said.

PHDM is offering the free, single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at the fair on Tuesday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. outside building number two, next to the first aid station. Unvaccinated individuals who receive their vaccine from PHDM at the fair will have their daily admission fee refunded upon completion of vaccination.

For more information and questions about getting your COVID-19 vaccine at the U.P. State Fair, contact Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties at 906-786-4111.