The situation involving COVID-19 continues to evolve in a rapid manner. Local school districts, leaders from local government, health department representatives and other partners continue to monitor and assess our local response to COVID-19 and are working to provide resources on guidance and policy to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
Local officials are taking COVID-19 very seriously and hope that with the help of our great community we can mitigate the spread of this virus in our area.
As of today, March 20, 2020, our local Public Health Department has issued the following information:
• To date in Delta County, Public Health has submitted 15 specimens to the state lab for testing, 3 were negative for COVID-19, and 12 are pending.
• Several commercial and private labs are able to test COVID-19 specimens now, so there may be more Delta County residents with pending tests than are aware of at this point.
• Public Health encourages providers to submit information to Public Health, even when they are using a private lab.
The following is information received as of today, March 20, 2020 from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division:
• 13 of 15 Michigan counties have declared COVID-19 emergencies. Luce and Ontonagon Counties have not.
• There are 334 known COVID-19 cases statewide.
• There are 3 known COVID-19 deaths, all in southern counties.
• There are no known COVID-19 cases in the UP.
• Yesterday several rumors reported pending Shelter-In-Place orders coming from the Governor and the President. All were false. Believe official press releases.
• All UP counties have identified delivery sites for shipments from the Strategic National Stockpile and general resources from MICIMS requests.
• Challenges remain in finding sources for PPE.
• Michigan County Emergency Managers are working at or near capacity, tracking and resolving issues with local Health Departments, First Responder Agencies, DHHS, and EMHSD.
• Inevitably, the UP will see COVID-19 cases. There are a lot of agencies working to mitigate its impact on our population.
Due to the increase in cases in Michigan, community mitigation strategies are crucial to slowing the transmission of COVID-19. The basic personal-hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus are as follows:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
• Avoid handshakes;
• Avoid contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home when you are sick.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued Interim Recommendations for COVID-19 Community Mitigation Strategies and the most up-to-date guidance on these and other mitigation strategies, which are available at www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
A part of those strategies includes:
• the cancelation or postponement of large gatherings of greater than 50 people in a shared space;
• limiting community contact when possible by utilizing online or telephonic options to conduct business;
• follow all restrictions and guidelines of local hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities;
• be cautious of supplies and community availability.
As we prepare for all possible scenarios, we ask that you develop a plan for your family and that you heed the precautions recommended by health professionals and the www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus website. We urge the public to please utilize this website for the most up to date and accurate information regarding COVID-19 and the steps necessary to mitigate exposure and the spread within the community.
While social media can be a helpful tool in relaying information, please be cautious of the source of such information. Local officials want the public to be educated and prepared, not panicked, and to help each other, especially vulnerable populations.
We are working through this as a community and need to stay as united and supportive as possible to ensure the health and well-being of all community members. Please practice social distancing and limit your contact with others in the public when at all possible.
Delta County Administration will be issuing a press release every Tuesday and Friday afternoon with up to date local information. For state issued Executive Orders that our community must comply with, please visit www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Governor Whitmer is giving a press conference today, March 20, 2020, at approximately 4:30pm with updated information for the state of Michigan.
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