Thursday, April 2, 2020

Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update — April 2, 2020


Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update — April 2, 2020

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 and the Grand Traverse County Health Department is currently conducting its case investigation. Grand Traverse County now stands at 9 positive cases as of 10:00 a.m. on April 2, 2020. To date, the Grand Traverse County Health Department is reporting that 184 COVID-19 tests have been completed, 142 have returned negative results, and 9 have returned positive results.  The Grand Traverse County Health Department has also reported the second death from COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County in less than 24 hours. It is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat that COVID-19 poses in our community. 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 No. 2020-21. It is essential that residents continue to practice social distancing and remain home as much as possible. Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives. In addition, 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. According to the CDC, based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This includes preexisting conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, and diabetes. Learn more on the CDC website. 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.

Further, today, Governor Whitmer issued
Executive Order 2020-35, which ends in-person K-12 public and private school in the state of Michigan for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year. Schools in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District are currently collaborating and planning for ways to continue to deliver instruction, food and other necessary services to students and families during the extended school shutdown to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020, Michigan reported 1,719 new cases and 78 new deaths, for a total of 9,334 cases and 337 deaths. State numbers are updated daily at 2 pm. Many Michiganders have recovered from COVID-19, and recovery numbers will continue to increase in the coming weeks.

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 the community 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.  
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