In an effort to help distribute factual information related to Coronavirus, the WCSO is sharing information provided by the Washtenaw County Health Department. You can find ongoing updates from the Health Department at https://www.washtenaw.org/3095/COVID-19.
Updated March 12, 2020 at 11:30 p.m.
Washtenaw County Health Department is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus called COVID-19. The outbreak continues to expand in many countries and cases without clear travel-related exposures have been reported in the United States.
The first two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Washtenaw County have been confirmed. Both individuals, one adult female and one adult male, were likely exposed through international and domestic travel respectively. One traveled through Europe and the other to New York. Washtenaw County Health Department has been working closely with the individuals to identify and contact anyone potentially exposed. Additional information and guidance will be announced as soon as possible on this webpage.
The Health Department and all local officials are relying on our community to work together to slow the potential spread of illness and refer to official sources of reliable information.
The Health Department and state authorities are making additional recommendations to prevent the spread of illness. The Health Department is recommending strong, preventive actions for everyone.
Governor Whitmer is ordering K-12 schools close starting Monday, March 16. “This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” Whitmer said. “I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”
On March 11, the Governer announced community mitigation recommendations for individuals, facilities, schools, workplaces, community organizations, and other mass events. The Washtenaw County Health Department fully supports the Governor’s recommendations and encourages local individuals and entities to implement them or take additional steps, as is feasible. The Governor’s recommendations include:
- Cancel or postpone events with more than 100 people in a shared space.
- For organizations that serve high-risk communities, cancel gatherings of more than 10 people whenever possible.
- Individuals at risk of severe illness should stay at home as much as possible and keep away from others who are sick.
- Workplaces should encourage staff to tele-work when feasible, particularly individuals at risk of severe illness. Employers should also limit large work-related gatherings and limit non-essential work travel.
- Implement social distancing measures as feasible, including limiting in-person meetings.
Find the full list of recommendations here. Governor Whitmer has also declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts to slow the spread of disease.
