Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - March 21, 2020
The Grand Traverse County COVID 19 website is live and includes continuous updates throughout each day, with up-to-the minute information from the state and various local agencies. Residents can also follow the relatedFacebook page. Daily updates (like this) from the Joint Operations Center will be included in both places. The website features resources for all residents, including specific information for families, older adults, essential workers and others with childcare needs, employers, people experiencing homelessness or food shortages, and volunteer / donation information. All critical health updates will continue to come from the Grand Traverse County Health Department and Munson Healthcare and will be shared on the website.
As of this morning, GT County has 19 negative COVID test responses. 67 tests are pending and there are additional individuals who had traveled to high-alert countries being monitored in quarantine. ZERO cases reported in the county at this time. One new case in Northern Michigan in Wexford County.
Note on state and local numbers: The state numbers are updated daily at 2pm and are as of 10am that morning. Additional cases are reported throughout the day and in some cases are reported by the healthcare facilities prior to being noted on state or local health department sites.
Health officials are adapting to new regulations and requirements as they come down and continue to project significant shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the coming weeks for first responders, healthcare workers and others on the frontlines. Munson Healthcare is collecting donations of some PPE from the public; anyone with supplies that they wish to donate is asked to firstcontact the Munson Healthcare Foundation; drop-offs will not be accepted without prior arrangement. Please contact the Foundation directly at 231-213-1150 or foundation@mhc.net for any donation request.
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About the JOC: The Grand Traverse County Joint Operation Center has been meeting since March 13 to coordinate efforts and communications about COVID-19 in our region. Members include key community agencies and partners from health, government, first responders, education, social service and business sectors.
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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 a friendly wave from 6 feet away.
- 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, atMichigan.gov/Coronavirus,and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
