Thursday, May 7, 2020

Traverse CityGrand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - May 7, 2020


Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - May 7, 2020

DAILY NUMBERS
The Grand Traverse County Health Department reports no new cases today, 20 cumulative positive cases, 6 cumulative probable cases, and 5 deaths from COVID-19 in Grand Traverse County residents. Thirteen of the positive cases have recovered with 30 days having passed since the onset of their symptoms. 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 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. Please keep in mind that each hospital serves multiple counties so numbers are higher for Munson Hospitals than for individual counties. 

Michigan has reported 45,054 positive cases and 4,250 deaths of COVID-19. A total of 15,659 people have recovered. Numbers are updated daily at 3 pm.   

TESTING
In response to Governor Whitmer’s call for more surveillance testing, Northwest Michigan Health Services (NMHSI) in both Traverse City and Shelby now have capacity to perform diagnostic tests for both symptomatic and non-symptomatic health care workers, first responders, critical infrastructure workers and essential workers at large. NMHSI also has the capacity to test anyone who has a possible exposure to COVID-19 with or without symptoms. You do not need to be a patient of NMHSI to be tested. Options exist to receive testing free of charge. Testing is done by appointment only. To schedule an appointment to be tested, contact the COVID-19 Hotline at: 231-642-5292. Same day testing is usually available and takes less than 30 minutes. Results will be available within 72 hours.

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
Reopen Toolkit (Business, Accounting, Administrative, Legal, Finance, Realtors)

Michigan 
COVID-19 Business Response Center Resources (Business Leaders for Michigan) 

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Senior Center and Meals on Wheels Team up to Provide Weekly Curbside Meals for Seniors 60+ 
The Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network is providing weekly curbside meals in collaboration with Meals on Wheels. Seniors 60 years of age and older may call the Senior Center at 231-922-4911 to make a reservation. Meals are distributed at four locations: Tuesdays at the Traverse City Senior Center; Wednesdays in Kingsley and Fife Lake; and Thursdays in Interlochen. Seniors receive five, freshly prepared, frozen meals, fruit, bread, and milk. There is no charge for the meals and recipients are provided information to make donations to the Meals on Wheels program, should they choose to do so. Other essential items like soap, kleenex, and toilet tissue are available upon request.

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. 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 are recommending a 14-day self-quarantine to limit the chances you might spread the virus unknowingly. Returning residents are encouraged to use store delivery services upon arrival to the area.

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 holding regular meetings each week 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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