Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - March 18, 2020
No Grand Traverse County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 (there are 31 Grand Traverse County residents who have been tested, two tests came back negative and 29 results are pending). Michigan currently has 65 positive cases and one death, in Wayne County. *Note: when this was originally issued, the delay to the JIC Group was blocked and the original version indicated zero deaths, which was what was known at the time * An update on the number of cases in Michigan is updated daily at 2 p.m. at this website: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-520743--,00.html
A group of key public communications professionals, as part of the Grand Traverse County Joint Information Center, is developing a comprehensive website to provide resources and clear messaging. This website should be live within a few days.
Restaurants and other food service establishments are required to adhere to robust, precise sanitary and cleanliness standards and customers should be assured of that.
For job seekers and employers needing employees, Pure Michigan’s Talent Connect is a space to both find employment and employees. Visit: https://www.mitalent.org/ For those who need to apply for unemployment benefits, they may do so online at the following link: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97241---,00.html
While the State of Michigan is providing valuable support services, the Grand Traverse County community organizations are also working together to ensure our residents make it through this situation together locally. Grand Traverse County Emergency Management is assisting with supply chain management to ensure backup medical supplies to protect emergency first responders are secured.
It is critical that people not hoard food, creating an unnecessary shortage. Food and water are available in the community and will continue to be through grocery stores and other suppliers.
For individuals who are able to volunteer to help the community meet various needs, United Way of Northwest Michigan has launched a website where you can step forward to volunteer; background checks will be conducted and once completed, United Way will connect volunteers with opportunities. See this link:https://www.unitedwaynwmi.org/covid-19
The Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network has connected with at-risk senior citizens. Meals are being delivered. A focused team is meeting today to identify additional options and needs, with phone calls being made to the most at-risk senior citizens.
For the population experiencing homelesness, an additional tent is being set up in the parking lot at Wellington Street to help provide additional capacity, necessary because physical distancing is recommended to prevent spread of illness. The gymnasium at TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis is in near-complete process for being established as a backup location.
BASIC PREVENTION MEASURES FROM THE CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
● Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
● Avoid contact with people who are sick.
● If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
● Replace handshakes with elbow bumps.
● Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at gtchd.org , at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus , and CDC.gov/Coronavirus .
Schools in the five-county Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) region have released food service schedules and distribution plans in order to ensure that students who rely on schools for healthy meals continue to receive services during the state-ordered school closure.For a complete list of food services provided by area schools within TBAISD five-county region, visit:tinyurl.com/regionalschoolfoodservice .*
* Please contact your local school or nearest distribution center for the most up-to-date information.
From Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - March 16, 2020
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Area Schools Release Continuing Food Service Schedules
TRAVERSE CITY - Schools in the five-county Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) region have released food service
schedules and distribution plans in order to ensure that students who rely on schools for healthy meals continue to receive services during the
state-ordered school closure. Hours of operation and distribution plans vary by school. Food distribution locations and options include:
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Offering: Breakfast and Lunch
Services Begin: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Distribution Center Locations/Hours:
- Blair Elementary School (1625 Sawyer Road), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Traverse Heights Elementary School (933 Rose Street), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- East Middle School (1776 Three Mile Road), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Long Lake Elementary School (7600 North Long Lake Road), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kingsley Area Schools
Offering: Breakfast and Lunch
Services Begin: Monday, March 16, 2020
Distribution Center Locations/Hours:
- Hannah St. Mary's ( 2912 M-113) , 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Kingsley Methodist Church ( 113 Blair Street) , 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Home Delivery - Contact School Directly
Benzie Central Schools
Offering: Breakfast and Lunch
Services Begin: Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Distribution Center Locations/Hours:
- Home Delivery - Contact School Directly
Kalkaska Public Schools
Offering: Breakfast and Lunch
Services Begin: Monday, March 16, 2020
Distribution Center Locations/Hours:
- Kalkaska High School ( 109 N Birch St)
- Bus Stops - Contact School Directly
For a complete list of food services provided by area schools within TBAISD five-county region, visit:tinyurl.com/regionalschoolfoodservice .*
* Please contact your local school or nearest distribution center for the most up-to-date information.
___________________________________________________________________
BASIC PREVENTION MEASURES:
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
● Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
● Avoid contact with people who are sick.
● If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
● Replace handshakes with elbow bumps.
● Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at gtchd.org , at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus , and
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