Full Notification

Sent of Behalf of Washtenaw County Public Health
Outbreak Update: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 2, 2020 at 11:15 am:

There are no confirmed cases in Washtenaw County or Michigan. The criteria for testing have expanded, and testing can now be completed at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) lab. Results will be available faster. Possible cases are being reviewed for testing.

RESPONSE ACTIONS:
Washtenaw County Health Department continues to work closely with state and federal health officials to appropriately monitor or test. The Health Department is in close contact with local health systems and health care providers to review cases and provide guidance. We are also in communication with local schools and businesses to support planning and response actions.
 
Individuals with concerns or flu-like symptoms should call their health care provider first with questions. The Health Department can also take calls at 734-544-6700. The Health Department has hotline capacity, and we will activate this when or if calls increase.
 
All community members should practice basic prevention. Good handwashing, staying away from others if sick, and covering your cough are always recommended to reduce the spread of illness. Also, consider reviewing your basic emergency supplies or plans. Health emergencies tend to start slower and last longer than other types of emergency events. See “How to be prepared for coronavirus” at www.washtenaw.org/health and attached to this Nixle message. 
 
We continue to prepare for the possibility of local cases and the spread of illness in Washtenaw County. We know this possibility may cause some concern, and we are working to share timely, accurate information without causing unnecessary alarm.
 
Should community disease control measures be needed, they may include recommendations or orders to limit public gatherings or increase social distance. Social distancing means staying 4-6 feet away from others. Currently none of these actions are recommended.
 
REMEMBER:
Discrimination harms public health. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else.
 
PREVENTION:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

UPDATES:
This situation may change quickly. Refer to these sites for current information:
☑ Washtenaw updates: www.washtenaw.org/health
☑ Michigan updates: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
☑ National updates: www.cdc.gov/nCoV 
 
Fact Sheets from Washtenaw County Health Department

• How to be Prepared for Coronavirus
• COVID-19 What you Need to Know

 Information in Multiple Languages

• What you need to know about 2019-nCov: Simplified Chinese 
• What you need to know about 2019-nCoV: Spanish 
• What you need to know about 2019-nCoV: English

 Information current as of March 2, 2020