Friday, May 8, 2020

Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - May 8, 2020


Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - May 8, 2020

DAILY NUMBERS
The Grand Traverse County Health Department continues to report 20 positive cases, 6 probable cases, 13 recoveries and 5 deaths from COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County residents. These numbers and additional county statistics are available on a new dashboard. Full case investigations and contact tracing were 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 45,646 positive cases and 4,343 deaths of COVID-19. 15,659 people have recovered.   

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, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs. This order will allow manufacturers to resume work May 11 as part of the MI Safe Start Plan following specific safety guidelines.  

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Traverse Connect and The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance will host a free industry forum to discuss childcare and the changing requirements for worker and customer safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please register in advance for the May 13 event. Speakers include:
  • Lisa Brewer-Walraven, Director, Child Development and Care for MI
  • Mark Jansen, Director of Child Care Licensing Division for LARA
  • Michelle Richard State of Michigan 60by30 Program

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 

KEY MESSAGES
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

Stay home, stay safe, save lives: 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.

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.

TRUSTED INFORMATION SOURCES
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. Please use these resources for current, factual information:


ABOUT THE JOC
Grand Traverse County’s Joint Operations Center has been meeting 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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