The Grand Traverse County Health Department has confirmed one additional positive case of COVID-19 in a Grand Traverse County resident. The individual has a history of domestic travel but there is no concern of exposure to others during travel. Grand Traverse County now stands at 8 positive cases as of 10:00 a.m., April 1, 2020. The first community transmission case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Grand Traverse County as of Monday, March 30. Community transmission means the source of infection is unknown and the patient had no known contact with any other confirmed cases or known travel from an area of widespread transmission. This change in transmission means it is even more essential that residents practice social distancing and remain home as much as possible. As cases in the community continue to increase, the public should assume there is potential for community exposure and limit activity according to the Governor’s executive order: Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives.
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 am – 7 pm), or the Michigan COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Munson Healthcare is reporting COVID-19 testing and results for each of its hospitals throughout the region. Numbers are listed by facility, but are not broken out by county of residence.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department has issued a Public Health Advisory for travelers. Residents returning to northern Michigan, particularly those coming from areas experiencing high levels of COVID-19 exposure are asked to help save lives by observing a 14-day self-quarantine after arriving in the region. During this time, returning residents are asked to avoid direct contact with others and to refrain from going out to any place of business. 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.
Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) announced temporary elimination of the fare-free Bayline route to reduce non-essential travel and as a precaution to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The City Loop, COAST senior transportation, Village Loops, as well as City and Village demand response services will continue as usual.
To date, Michigan has reported 7,615 cases of COVID-19, with 259 deaths. Numbers are updated daily at 3 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. All critical health updates come from our community’s experts at the Grand Traverse County Health Department and are immediately posted throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to direct their neighbors to these trusted information resources.
Please note, anyone who does not have a physician or insurance may call the Munson COVID-19 hotline number 231-935-0951, press 5 to access the option 7 days a week from 7 am – 7 pm if they are symptomatic and seeking testing. Testing is based upon criteria set by the state health department.
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.
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.
