- Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Community Update - June 12, 2020
DAILY NUMBERS AND COMMUNITY TESTING
The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) reports 35 positive cases, 6 probable cases, 18 recoveries, and 5 deaths in Grand Traverse County residents. Additional statistics are available on the County’s dashboard.
One new positive case has been reported since Wednesday’s update (6/10/20).
- Female in her 60’s, asymptomatic, community acquired, no known community exposure
The GTCHD has received 686 results of the 835 tests performed at the National Guard community testing event May 30 and 31 at Turtle Creek Stadium. The positive results have been included in the daily numbers count and the GTCHD has followed up on all positive cases. The overall positivity rate was .9%
- Grand Traverse County Resident Results
- 5 positive
- 548 negative
- 4 invalid (could not be tested)
- Non Grand Traverse County Resident Results
- 129 negative
The GTCHD will report test results when the information is provided by the testing facility. The fastest way for individuals tested at this event to get results is through the patient portal at bioreference.com/patient-portal. Start by selecting “Test Results” then “Create An Account.”
Regionally, Munson Healthcare is reporting COVID-19 testing results on its website for each of its hospitals. Numbers listed are by hospital, not county of residence.
Michigan has reported 59,496 positive cases and 5,738 deaths of COVID-19. 42,041 have recovered in Michigan.
NEW TESTING SITE IN CHUMS CORNER:
Over the past several weeks Rite Aid has worked to increase access to COVID-19 tests, and with the addition of the northern Michigan sites in Traverse City and Petoskey, Michigan now has access to testing at 15 Rite Aid locations. Testing is now available at the Rite Aid in Chums Corner, Monday – Friday from 10 am – 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Tests are available by appointment to individuals 18 and older, with or without symptoms. A doctor's order is not required to get tested, and tests are free of charge to patients. The test is a self administered nasal swab. To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing at Rite Aid, visit their website.
Additional Grand Traverse County testing sites include:
- Munson Healthcare Foster Family Community Health Center (priority 1 & 2 only)
- Northwest Michigan Health Services (testing all)
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
JOC TO MEET MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS - NEW SCHEDULE BEGINS WEEK OF JUNE 15TH
The Joint Operations Center will begin to hold meetings and issue community updates on Mondays and Fridays beginning the week of June 15th. This is a change from the current schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Should there become a need to meet more frequently in the future, updated schedule information will be provided.
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT RETURNING TO WORK
The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has developed new guidance on Suitable Work and Refusal of Work for workers and employers. The guidance reminds employers of their obligations to follow workplace safety laws and guidance related to COVID-19, and focuses on policy that expands good-cause related to COVID-19 for employees who refuse offers of work and seek to continue receiving unemployment benefits.
TOOLKITS FOR BUSINESSES
The Grand Traverse County Health Department has released reopening toolkits for Short-Term Rentals and Campgrounds. All reopening toolkits are available on the Health Department website.
GOVERNOR EXPANDS REOPENING
On June 10, our region moved to phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 5 allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19. On June 15, personal services including hair, massages, and nails will reopen statewide.
Under Phase 5, indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people. In addition, outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500.
STAY SAFE TO STAY OPEN
Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to Stay Safe to Stay Open. This includes the following measures while in public:
Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to Stay Safe to Stay Open. This includes the following measures while in public:
- Staying 6 feet apart
- Wearing masks
- Limiting large social gatherings
- Continuing basic prevention measures like frequent hand washing
- Following workplace safety protocols.
Businesses can download a Stay Safe to Stay Open printable poster and a social media image at the gtcountycovid19.com website.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Please visit gtcountycovid19.com for important resources including health and safety information for individuals and businesses.
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.
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