Wednesday, May 13, 2020

May 13. 2020 COVID-19 Community Report


May 13. 2020 COVID-19 Community Report 
DAILY NUMBERS
The Grand Traverse County Health Department reports no new cases today. Totals remain at 21 cumulative positive cases, 6 cumulative probable cases, 14 recoveries and 5 deaths from COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County residents. These numbers and additional county statistics are updated on the County dashboard. Full case investigations and contact tracing were completed on all confirmed and probable cases. 
Regionally, Munson Healthcare reports COVID-19 testing results on its website for each hospital in the Munson health care system. Please keep in mind that each hospital serves multiple counties so numbers are higher for Munson hospitals than for individual counties.
Michigan has reported 48,021 positive cases and 4,674 deaths of COVID-19. A total of 22,686 people have recovered. Numbers are updated daily.   
KEY MESSAGES
Emergencies Shouldn’t Stay Home. Don't Risk It. Call 9-1-1. 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 remains the most important message for residents throughout Northwest Michigan. This executive order was extended through May 28. 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. The Governor’s MI Safe Start Plan outlines how the state will re-engage while continuing to keep communities safe.

Seasonal and Returning Residents - The Grand Traverse County Health Department and Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance are recommending a 14-day self-quarantine to limit the chances of spreading the virus unknowingly. Returning residents are encouraged to use store delivery services upon arrival to the area. More information can be found here.

WORKFORCE BEST PRACTICE GUIDANCE
The following toolkits provide guidance for businesses bringing employees back to work:
Grand Traverse County Health Department
·  Reopen Toolkit (Business, Accounting, Administrative, Legal, Finance, Realtors)
Michigan Businesses
·  COVID-19 Business Response Center Resources (Business Leaders for Michigan) 
Local advisory committees are currently reviewing how to safely re-engage childcare services as the non-essential business sector is allowed to open. Today, Traverse Connect conducted an industry forum discussion on childcare that will help guide the approach to these services in the weeks ahead. Links to all Traverse Connect industry forums are provided here.
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
The Senior Center Network provides a variety of exercise classes through the Traverse Media Center that may be viewed on Channel 189 for Charter subscribers or online through the Senior Center special events link.  In addition, seniors may ask to receive weekly phone calls from Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging staff through the telephone reassurance program for a check on their well-being and social support as needed. Call 231-922-4911 for details.

TRUSTED INFORMATION SOURCES
Information around this outbreak can change 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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