Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - April 4, 2020
Grand Traverse County Health Department is reporting one additional death and one new confirmed positive case of COVID-19 today. To date, there have been 12 total confirmed cases in the county and 3 deaths. The deceased was a woman in her 80s with a history of domestic travel. The newly confirmed case is a female in her 70s with a history of domestic travel; she is recovering at home. There have been 218 Grand Traverse County residents tested and, of those, 170 cases have come back negative.
Statewide, the number of cases is growing rapidly, with approximately 1900 new cases reported positive yesterday. As the numbers rise, and given that some intrastate travel is allowed, it is essential that residents follow the guidelines forstaying home and social distancing. This includes keeping at least 6 feet away from people who you do not live with when you are outside. It also includes areminder to seasonal and returning residents that the Grand Traverse County Health Department and Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance are recommending a 14-day self-quarantine to limit the chances you might spread the virus unknowingly.
Local health experts, law enforcement officers and the prosecutor’s office are working together to support, and if necessary, enforce the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order. This may include issuing fines for people who are violating the order.
Goodwill Northern Michigan and Safe Harbor have partnered to open a new day shelter this week in Traverse City, allowing access to heat, restrooms, internet/computers, and other community resources. The shelter has implemented strong safe distancing measures.
Munson Healthcare is reporting COVID-19 testing results on its website for each of its hospitals throughout northern Michigan in the region. Numbers are listed by hospital that provided service and are not broken out by county of residence.
For the most current, factual information, visit Grand Traverse County’s official websitegtcountycovid19.com andFacebook page. All critical health updates come from the Grand Traverse County Health Department andMunson Healthcare and are immediately posted throughout the day along with other updates. Residents are encouraged to direct their neighbors to these best information resources.
Grand Traverse County’s Joint Operations Center has been meeting daily to coordinate efforts and communication on the COVID-19 pandemic since Friday, March 14. Members include key community partners from health, government, first responders, education, social service and business sectors.
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BASIC PREVENTION MEASURES:
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 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.
· Replace handshakes with a friendly wave from 6 feet away.
· Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at gtchd.org, atMichigan.gov/Coronavirus,and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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