Monday, April 27, 2020

Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update For April 27, 2020




Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update For April 27, 2020



DAILY NUMBERS
The Grand Traverse County Health Department continues to report 19 positive cases, 6 probable cases and 5 deaths from COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County residents. Probable cases are individuals that have been directly linked epidemiologically to a confirmed case and have had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, but were not tested. The six probable cases are primarily the household contacts of confirmed cases who then developed symptoms. So far, these probable cases have developed symptoms while they were already in home quarantine.   

Michigan has reported 37,778 positive cases, 3,315 deaths and 8,342 recovered from COVID-19. Numbers are updated daily. 

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. This past Friday, Governor Whitmer extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order through May 15th. The new order allows residents to travel between residences if they own more than one home in Michigan, but strongly discourages people from doing so unless it is absolutely necessary. Residents who travel to other residences are encouraged to avoid local grocery stores and continue practicing social distancing during their visits.   

Additional COVID-19 Symptoms 
The CDC has added six new symptoms to its existing list of symptoms for COVID-19:
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat 
  • Loss of smell
Fever, cough and shortness of breath continue to be the most common symptoms of COVID-19. If you have experienced any of these symptoms call your healthcare provider or the Michigan COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 

Plasma Trial 
Munson Healthcare is participating in a convalescent plasma trial and is currently seeking donations from local patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The convalescent plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients contain viral antibodies that have treatment potential for severe cases of the disease. Recovered COVID-19 patients in Northern Michigan interested in participating in the trial must meet the following criteria:
  • Have had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by a physician and laboratory testing
  • Be symptom free for at least 28 days
  • Be symptom free for 14 - 27 days, with a verified negative test
To make a plasma donation, or to learn if you are eligible, please contact Versiti at 866-702-4673 or email MICplasma@versiti.org. More information can also be found on-line here.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Sara Hardy Farmers Market - Access to Fresh Food
The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has developed an online marketplace to continue access to fresh local food in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market will go to an online platform in May and will allow for single customer transactions from multiple farms. Customers will be able to place orders throughout the week and pick-up on market days. The DDA will continue to allow food assistance programs to be redeemed from purchases, including SNAP, P-EBT, Double Up Food Buck, Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh, Hoophouses for Health, and Munson Health Care’s Prescriptions for Health. The online marketplace can be accessed through the DDA’s website.

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.


Posted by at