Monday, May 11, 2020

Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update For May 11, 2020


Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update For May 11, 2020

DAILY NUMBERS
The Grand Traverse County Health Department is reporting one new case today bringing the county total to 21 positive cases and 6 probable cases. Of the 21 positive cases, 14 have recovered, 5 have died from COVID-19 and 2 are active cases in Grand Traverse County residents. The newest case is a male in his 60’s who is a household close contact to another person diagnosed with COVID-19 case. He was diagnosed while already quarantining in his home and both cases are recuperating at home. The County Health Department is working to identify and contact anyone potentially exposed and will maintain regular contact with the patients while they remain in home isolation. It is important to note that each of these patients had no history of flying into or out of Cherry Capital Airport during the infectious period. These numbers and additional county statistics are continually updated and available on the County’s dashboard

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 47,138 positive cases and 4,551 deaths from COVID-19. That is an increase of 812 positive cases and 158 deaths since Friday. Michigan is also reporting 22,686 people have recovered from COVID-19. Michigan ranks 7th in the county in the total number of positive COVID-19 cases and 4th in the total number of deaths as a result of COVID-19.

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE ORDER EXTENDED 
Governor Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order until May 28. Residents still must not leave their homes except to run critical errands, engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs. This order allows manufacturers to resume work today as part of the MI Safe Start Plan following specific safety guidelines.  

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 
The Michigan Air National Guard will perform a flyover of Traverse City (and other cities across the State) tomorrow to highlight frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19. Four A-C10’s will be flying over downtown Traverse City and Munson at 2:45 pm, in conjunction with a similar flyover from the Blue Angels in Detroit.

The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market processed 388 individual orders through its new online marketplace this past Saturday, continuing to provide access to fresh local food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new online platform allows for single customer transactions from multiple farms. Customers are able to place orders throughout the week and pick-up on market days. The Market allows 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.

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 and wear a facemask when they must go out. The State of Michigan has developed recommendations on how to properly wear a facemask to protect you and others.  

Emergencies shouldn’t stay home. Heart attacks, stroke, and other emergencies don't stop during crises like COVID-19. Don't ignore the warning signs. Call 9-1-1 and get immediate medical attention for what could be a life-threatening emergency.

Reminder to seasonal and returning residents: the Grand Traverse County Health Department and Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance recommend a 14-day self-quarantine to limit the chances you might spread the virus unknowingly. Returning residents are encouraged to use store delivery services.

TESTING
More people are able to get tests in Michigan due to recently expanded criteria. Testing sites have capacity and tests are available. Individuals seeking tests can call:
  • Their healthcare provider
  • The Munson Healthcare COVID-19 hotline: 231-935-0951
  • The Michigan COVID-19 hotline: 888-535-6136 
 Grand Traverse County’s testing sites are:

WORKFORCE BEST PRACTICE GUIDANCE
The following toolkits provide guidance for businesses bringing employees back to work:

Grand Traverse County Health Department
 Michigan 
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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