Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - April 29, 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. These numbers and additional county statistics are available
on a new Grand Traverse County Health Department dashboard
linked here. 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 household contacts of
confirmed cases who then developed symptoms. Full case investigations and
contact tracing was completed on all confirmed and probable cases.
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 39,262 positive cases and
3,567 deaths of COVID-19. 8,342 Michiganders have recovered. Numbers are
updated daily.
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
The City of Traverse City has opened park bathrooms at East Bay Park, Bryant Park, Senior Center (outdoor restrooms), Clinch Park, and West End 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.
The City of Traverse City has opened park bathrooms at East Bay Park, Bryant Park, Senior Center (outdoor restrooms), Clinch Park, and West End 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.
COMMUNITY NEEDS
The Women’s Resource Center’s Emergency Shelter is in need of
diapers and women’s personal care products. For information on how to deliver or ship items go to the Women’s Resource Center Facebook page.
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. On April 24, Governor Whitmer extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive
Order
through May 15. The order outlines the following key points:
- Everyone is to wear a cloth
non-medical grade mask while in an enclosed public space
- Companies are to provide masks for
employees who are working
- Recommending people wear a cloth,
non-medical grade mask while outside in a public space
- Residents are allowed but strongly
discouraged not to travel between primary and secondary residences. If doing
so, practice social distancing and avoid entering local places of business
during the visit.
Though there is no criminal sanction for individuals not using
face coverings, these guidelines are expressed as safe precautionary measures
to protect the health and safety of the community. 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.
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.
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.
