Grand Traverse County
COVID-19 Community Update - April 17, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand Traverse County has seen
incredible cooperation by organizations and businesses to limit the spread of
the disease and support our residents. One example is from the Bay Area
Transportation Authority (BATA) which recently redesigned some of its buses to
serve as medical discharge transportation units. BATA worked with health
experts at the Grand Traverse County Health Department to specially equip the
buses to safely transport patients who have recovered and no longer need to be
hospitalized, but may not have family to take them home. Additionally, BATA has
gone to great lengths to ensure it is safely transporting those dependent upon
public transportation for their essential needs throughout this pandemic. It is
currently providing approximately 200 rides per day.
As of this morning, the Grand Traverse County Health Department
continues to report 17 positive cases of COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County
residents. Since yesterday, a woman in her 80s died from the virus. This brings
the total number of deaths of Grand Traverse County residents to 4. To date,
372 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County. Michigan has reported 29,263 cases of COVID-19, with 2,093 deaths. 433 individuals have
recovered from COVID-19.
Beginning next week, MDHHS will begin reporting on the number of
probable cases for each county, along with current reporting of laboratory
confirmed cases and deaths. Depending on available data, counties may list
cumulative probable cases, as well as their cumulative laboratory-confirmed
positive cases, and cumulative deaths. Probable cases of COVID-19 disease are
individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, but have not been tested and are
epidemiologically linked to a positive case. While the number of reported cases
throughout the state will likely be higher, the real impact on our community
will remain the same, but will also demonstrate a more complete story that the
number of confirmed cases was only telling part of the story. Michigan’s number
of confirmed cases is understood to be an undercount, something the new data
will help to improve. Grand Traverse County Health Department has been tracking
these probable cases from the beginning of the pandemic and following up with
individuals throughout their illness.
Residents are reminded
having contact with people outside of your household increases your risk of
either getting or spreading the virus. Health experts continue to stress the
importance of staying home and leaving home ONLY for urgent or essential needs.
Aligning with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations,
the general public is also advised to wear homemade face masks or face coverings
in public settings.
TRUSTED INFORMATION SOURCES
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. Please
direct your neighbors to these information resources for the most current,
factual information:
- Grand Traverse County: For Grand
Traverse County COVID-19 updates, visit the official gtcountycovid19.com website and Facebook
page. Residents can also call the hotline at 231-642-3548, view daily
updates on Cable Access Channels 189 and 191, or sign up to receive daily updates via email. All critical health updates come
from the Grand Traverse
County Health Department
and Munson Healthcare, and are immediately posted throughout the day along
with other updates from the Joint Operations Center (JOC).
- Munson Healthcare: COVID-19 testing results are reported daily for each Munson
Healthcare hospital in northern Michigan.
- Statewide: Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
- National: CDC.gov/Coronavirus
ABOUT THE JOC
Grand Traverse County’s Joint Operations Center has been meeting
daily to coordinate efforts and communication on the COVID-19 pandemic since
Friday, March 13. Members include key community 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 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.
- Stay at least six feet away from
others when in a public setting.
- Replace handshakes with a friendly
wave from 6 feet away.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has assembled
a FAQ on protecting yourself from COVID-19. If you suspect that you
may have contracted the virus, call your healthcare provider or the Michigan
COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 am - 5 pm.
