Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - April 18, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our region has seen incredible
generosity by residents, grant-making organizations and businesses as they
contribute funds and resources to help support our residents during the
pandemic. The Urgent Needs Grant Fund, housed at the Grand
Traverse Regional Community Foundation, has received $362,333 in donations,
which are being used to fund local nonprofit,
governmental, and educational organizations to provide vital services such as
access to food and basic hygiene, caring for senior citizens, supporting
utility and rental assistance, and overall basic needs. The resources are
spread across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties; $186,250
in awards have been awarded to date.
As of this morning, the
Grand Traverse County Health Department has reported 18 positive cases and four
deaths from COVID-19 among Grand Traverse County residents. Since yesterday,
there is one new case of a woman in her 70s; the case investigation is
underway. To date, 402 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Grand Traverse
County. Michigan has reported 30,023 cases of COVID-19,
with 2,227 deaths.
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.
