Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update
- April 9, 2020
As of 10 A.M. today, the Grand Traverse County Health Department reports 15 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, which includes 5 who have recovered and 3 deaths. There have been 253 county residents tested and, of those, 212 tests have come back negative.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) issued an Emergency Order (GT-2020-01), which goes into effect today, April 9th, and requires essential businesses to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of workers and patrons in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The emergency order recognizes that many businesses are already taking proactive steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the Grand Traverse County Health Department is actively working to help area businesses comply with the order. The GTCHD has produced an Essential Business Services Toolkit, which outlines the necessary public health precautions essential businesses should take to protect our community. It includes sample employee health checklists and other useful resources for grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential business services.
As of 10 A.M. today, the Grand Traverse County Health Department reports 15 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, which includes 5 who have recovered and 3 deaths. There have been 253 county residents tested and, of those, 212 tests have come back negative.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) issued an Emergency Order (GT-2020-01), which goes into effect today, April 9th, and requires essential businesses to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of workers and patrons in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The emergency order recognizes that many businesses are already taking proactive steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the Grand Traverse County Health Department is actively working to help area businesses comply with the order. The GTCHD has produced an Essential Business Services Toolkit, which outlines the necessary public health precautions essential businesses should take to protect our community. It includes sample employee health checklists and other useful resources for grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential business services.
For questions regarding the
emergency order call the Health Department at 231-995-6800 or email gtchd@gtchd.org and a staff member will follow up. To file a
concern/complaint regarding non compliance with this order go to: gtchd.org/2211/Health or click here for a direct link to the
form.
At this time, the
public should assume there is potential for community exposure and limit
activity according to the Governor’s Executive Order
No. 2020-21.
It is essential that residents continue to practice social distancing and
remain home as much as possible. Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives. Everyone
is counting on everyone else to do their part.
As a reminder, the GTCHD also wants to make the public aware of a possible community exposure site connected to one of the county’s recent cases. If you visited the Holiday Station Store (gas station and convenience mart), 2600 S. Airport Road, Traverse City, 49684 and went inside the store during the below dates and times, you should self-monitor for signs of COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, dry cough) for 14 days after exposure.
As a reminder, the GTCHD also wants to make the public aware of a possible community exposure site connected to one of the county’s recent cases. If you visited the Holiday Station Store (gas station and convenience mart), 2600 S. Airport Road, Traverse City, 49684 and went inside the store during the below dates and times, you should self-monitor for signs of COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, dry cough) for 14 days after exposure.
If
you are experiencing symptoms or suspect that you may have contracted the
virus, self-quarantine and call your healthcare provider, the Munson Healthcare
COVID-19 hotline number 231-935-0951 (press 5 to access the option 7 days a
week from 7 am – 7 pm), or the Michigan COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven
days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To date, Michigan has reported 20,346 cases of COVID-19, with 959 deaths. Numbers are updated daily at 3 p.m. Many have recovered from COVID-19. Recovery numbers are difficult to determine because they lag behind real-time and don’t include unreported mild cases.
To date, Michigan has reported 20,346 cases of COVID-19, with 959 deaths. Numbers are updated daily at 3 p.m. Many have recovered from COVID-19. Recovery numbers are difficult to determine because they lag behind real-time and don’t include unreported mild cases.
Additional Community Resources:
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural
Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19 *Updated April 8,
2020*
https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_RD_SA_COVID19_ProgramImmediateActions04082020.pdf Northern Lakes Community
Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA) remains open 24/7. Anyone experiencing a
mental health crisis may call the NLCMHA Crisis Line anytime day or night at:
1-833-295-0616. Individuals who are experiencing increased stress, anxiety or depression
may call the NLCMHA Access Line at: 1-800-492-5742. For additional information,
visit: northernlakescmh.org. For the most
up-to-the-minute, factual information, visit Grand Traverse County’s official
website gtcountycovid19.com and Facebook page.
___________________________________________________________________________
About the JOC: The Grand Traverse
County Joint Operation Center has been meeting since March 13 to coordinate
efforts and communications about COVID-19 in our region. Members include key
community agencies and 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 soap and water are unavailable, 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.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest
information is available at gtchd.org, at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus, and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
