March 26, 2020 COVID-19 JOC Community Report
The Grand Traverse County Health Department is reporting that no additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Grand Traverse County residents. Grand Traverse County remains at 3 positive cases as of 10:00 a.m., March 26, 2020. The County Health Department actively works to identify and contact anyone potentially exposed and will maintain regular contact with each individual while they remain in home isolation.
Residents returning to northern Michigan, particularly those coming from areas experiencing high levels of COVID-19 exposure (ex: New York City, Florida, Detroit metro area), are asked to help save lives by observing a 14 day self-quarantine after arriving in Traverse City and the surrounding area. During this time, returning residents are asked to avoid direct contact with others and to refrain from going out to places like grocery stores. Anyone in need of deliveries can contact 2-1-1 to be connected to available services in the community. It will take all of us doing our part to keep our community, state and nation as safe as possible from the impacts of COVID-19.
Residents returning to northern Michigan, particularly those coming from areas experiencing high levels of COVID-19 exposure (ex: New York City, Florida, Detroit metro area), are asked to help save lives by observing a 14 day self-quarantine after arriving in Traverse City and the surrounding area. During this time, returning residents are asked to avoid direct contact with others and to refrain from going out to places like grocery stores. Anyone in need of deliveries can contact 2-1-1 to be connected to available services in the community. It will take all of us doing our part to keep our community, state and nation as safe as possible from the impacts of COVID-19.
As a reminder, on March 24, 2020, following public health case investigations, the Grand Traverse Health Department reported potential community exposure.
- Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - a passenger with COVID-19 flew into Cherry Capital Airport on Monday, March 16th on Delta Air Lines flight 4991 from Detroit to Traverse City. All passengers on the March 16 flight are being asked to self-quarantine and will be contacted by their county health department and the CDC.
- Target (3130 W South Airport Rd W, Traverse City) on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Individuals who visited the store during that time are being asked to self-monitor.
If you are experiencing symptoms or suspect that you may have contracted the virus, self-quarantine and call your healthcare provider, the Munson Healthcare COVID-19 hotline number 231-935-0951 (press 5 to access the option 7 days a week from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.), or the Michigan COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Goodwill Traverse City South Airport location is the community donation drop off center for Munson Healthcare Foundation, the American Red Cross, the Northwest Food Coalition of Northern Michigan/Food Rescue, and the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness/Street Outreach. There is a current need for sleeping bags to support the homeless population opting not to stay in shelters. Curbside donations will be accepted 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. All donated items will be quarantined up to four days.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department is accepting approved personal protective equipment (PPE) to help supply partnering agencies during this health crisis. Donations will be accepted by appointment only at the Grand Traverse County Public Services Building, 2650 LaFranier Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686. Call 231-995-6024, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
To date, Michigan has reported 2,294 cases of COVID-19, with 43 deaths. Numbers are updated daily at 2 p.m. Many have recovered from COVID-19. Recovery numbers are difficult to determine because they lag behind real-time and don’t include unreported mild cases.
For the most up-to-the-minute, factual information, visit Grand Traverse County’s official website gtcountycovid19.com and Facebook page.
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BASIC PREVENTION MEASURES
The best prevention for viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, 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.
- Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
- Replace handshakes with a friendly wave from 6 feet away.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at gtchd.org, at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus, and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
