Sunday, April 19, 2020

Grand Traverse COVID-19 Community Update — 4/19

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

Northern Michigan volunteers are delivering meals to students without family transportation and people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Local businesses are teaming up to purchase protein for area food pantries and meal sites. The community pitched in $131,000 to support local farmers. Citizens are delivering homemade masks pinned with notes of encouragement to the community donation center, where 1,000 pounds of critically-needed supplies have been donated to Munson Healthcare. Local businesses are finding creative ways to show appreciation to essential workers on the front lines. Thousands of teachers are logging thousands of hours training on distance learning. And all of our efforts to protect our neighbors by Staying Home and Staying Safe have been successful in preventing our hospitals from being overwhelmed. 

As of this morning, the Grand Traverse County Health Department has reported 18 positive cases and four deaths among 404 Grand Traverse County residents who have been tested. Michigan has reported 30,791 cases of COVID-19, with 2,308 deaths. 

Munson Healthcare is seeking plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help treat others diagnosed with the virus. To make a plasma donation or to learn more, call 866-702-4673 or visit Versiti's website.

Beginning next week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will begin reporting new probable case numbers along with confirmed cases and deaths. Where available, the new numbers will include some cases and deaths where the disease caused by the novel coronavirus was deemed probable — based on symptoms and possible exposure — but was not confirmed through a test. Current COVID-19 numbers are widely assumed to be undercounts because access to testing has been severely limited. Up until now, confirmed counts have only included people who tested positive for the virus. The new reporting format is an attempt to present a more complete picture of COVID-19's spread in Michigan. The Grand Traverse County Health Department has been tracking probable cases from the beginning of the pandemic and following up with individuals throughout their illness.

You can help Grand Traverse County by taking 10 minutes to impact the next 10 years in Northwest Michigan. We are all asked to please complete the Census. It's quick, easy, safe, secure, and confidential, and every person really counts. Your response will help direct billions of dollars in federal funds to Grand Traverse County schools, roads, and other public services. Go online to https://my2020census.gov, call 844-330-2020, or complete and return the survey you received in the mail. 

Residents are reminded that contact with people outside of an immediate household increases the risk of getting and spreading the virus. Health experts continue to stress the importance of leaving home only for urgent or essential needs, and wearing homemade face masks or face coverings in public settings.

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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