Friday, April 24, 2020

Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - April 24, 2020


Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - April 24, 2020

DAILY TESTING NUMBERS
The Grand Traverse County Health Department continues to report 19 positive cases and 5 deaths from COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County residents. To date, 505 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County.

Regionally, Munson Healthcare is reporting COVID-19 testing results on its website for each of its hospitals throughout northern Michigan. Numbers are listed by the hospital that provided service and not broken out by county of residence.

Michigan has reported 35,291 positive cases and 2,977 deaths of COVID-19. Numbers are updated daily.

UPDATED EXECUTIVE ORDER 
This morning Governor Whitmer updated the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. This includes:
  • Extending the stay at home order through May 15
  • Requiring everyone wear a cloth, non-medical grade mask while in an enclosed public space 
  • Requiring companies to provide masks for employees who are working
  • Recommending people wear a cloth, non-medical grade mask while outside in a public space
  • Allowing people to travel between their residences 
  • Allowing motorized boating and fishing
  • Allowing golfing (without a cart) 
  • Allowing landscaping, lawn service, gardening and bicycle businesses to reopen
  • Allowing more retail businesses to open using curbside pick up and delivery options for customers.

Governor Whitmer and health experts continue to stress the importance of social distancing and good hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to wearing masks.  

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Restrooms at Hull Park and Slabtown Corner in Traverse City have opened for the season and are available for public use from 7:30am - 8:30pm each day. Restrooms are cleaned, sanitized and restocked nightly with necessary toiletries.  

Beginning Monday, April 27 the remaining park bathrooms at East Bay Park, Bryant Park, Senior Center (outdoor restrooms), Clinch Park, and West End will open for the season. Hours will be 7:30am - 8:30pm. Each location will be cleaned, sanitized and restocked nightly. Hand cleaning products are supplied in all of these public restrooms.  

KEY MESSAGES
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives remains the most important message for residents throughout Northwest Michigan. It is important that people continue to stay home as much as possible, avoid all non-essential travel and practice social distancing when they must go out. The Grand Traverse County Health Department has developed a helpful one-page info-graphic about when it is safe to leave your home if you have COVID-19 or live with someone who does. 

Health clinics across the region remain open and ready to safely serve any medical need, including general health and follow-up care. When immediate medical attention is needed, know that it is safe to call 9-1-1 and access emergency services at your local hospital. Pay attention to signs and symptoms of other health issues such as heart attack or stroke and seek immediate medical attention. Access to medical care is safe and causes no additional risk of exposure to COVID-19.

TRUSTED INFORMATION SOURCES
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. Please direct your neighbors to these information resources for the most current, factual information:


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.

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