Jackson area health and emergency preparedness officials are working to protect the community as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has now been reported in Michigan.
On Tuesday night, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency after announcing two Michigan residents have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19.
We are taking every step we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep Michiganders safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “I have declared a state of emergency to harness all of our resources across state government to slow the spread of the virus and protect families. It’s crucial that all Michiganders continue to take preventative measures to lower their risk, and to share this information with their friends, family, and co-workers.”
One of the cases is an adult female from Oakland County with recent international travel and the other is an adult male from Wayne County with recent domestic travel.
Henry Ford Allegiance Health Continually in Preparation
In Jackson, Henry Ford Allegiance Health is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and is taking measures at its hospitals and outpatient medical facilities to protect patients, visitors, team members and the community. The health system is also equipped to care for patients with COVID-19, should the need arise, with negative pressure rooms that can be used for isolation and staff trained to provide appropriate care while minimizing risk.
Henry Ford Allegiance Health is in a state of continual preparation for emergencies by conducting regular emergency management drills with simulated crisis situations, such as a disease outbreak. If a widespread outbreak were to occur locally, Henry Ford Allegiance Health has established partnerships with local and regional emergency management organizations to coordinate a large-scale response.
“We are monitoring the situation daily and implementing the latest protocols as suggested by the CDC and the State of Michigan. As this quickly evolving situation unfolds, we will work with partner organizations and our Henry Ford Health System infectious disease colleagues to best serve our community,” said infectious disease expert Vivek Kak, MD, FACP.
Henry Ford Allegiance Health provides these “Key Facts to Know”:
· Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Mild symptoms are fever, cough, muscle aches or fatigue.
· Henry Ford Allegiance Health is screening patients for recent travel history, symptoms of COVID-19, and exposure to individuals being evaluated for COVID-19.
· People who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or have symptoms should stay home. Contact your doctor by phone, virtual care or your MyChart account. Do not go to your family doctor’s office without an appointment and do not go to urgent care.
· If symptoms worsen—high fever or rapid breathing—call 911 and alert the operator of your symptoms, so the EMS crew can be prepared.
Department of Corrections Institutes Screenings
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is taking a series of measures to protect its staff, the prison population and the community as the first presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease have been identified in the state. Until further notice, anyone coming into a prison facility will be asked a series of screening questions and may have their temperature checked before being allowed entrance into a prison. This includes all staff, visitors, volunteers and contractors.
“Our primary focus is on public safety,” said MDOC Dir. Heidi Washington. “We take this issue seriously and we will do all we can to keep the public safe, as well as those we supervise across this state.” In communities where there are outbreaks, the department will consult with the local health department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and will potentially disallow all visits and outside contact from anyone other than MDOC personnel.
If visits are cancelled, prisoners will have increased time for phone calls and for sending electronic messages to family and friends. Information on prevention is being provided to the prison population and MDOC staff. For the past week, facilities have undergone additional and more frequent cleaning of all facilities. The department is also reviewing all previously scheduled large events including graduations, corrections officer training academies and other training events.
Businesses, Schools and Organizations Making Plans
Area businesses, school districts, public buildings, churches and other organizations are reporting measures being taken to protect the population.
In early February, Consumers Energy activated an existing internal team to prepare in the event the coronavirus becomes disruptive to Michigan communities, their customers or employees. Their plan, which is specifically designed for these types of situations, has been in place for three years and helps guide their actions.
As part of the activation, Consumers Energy has implemented a series of steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Among these steps, the company has implemented travel guidelines for employees including prohibiting business-related international and domestic travel and requiring personal travel to impacted areas to require a 14-day work remote period.
The Jackson YMCA has implemented several measures that include increasing disinfecting procedures at all facilities, staff education and the posting of information related to the outbreak.
Senior care facilities and nursing homes in the Jackson area have reported changing protocols for visitors; including limiting visiting hours, restricting visits by children, and screening for those who have recently traveled out of state or country.
Health Department Focused on Prevention
Rashmi Travis, Health Officer, Jackson County Health Department, says the county is sharing general information to give people practical tips on what they can do to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Travis recommends people visit the Jackson County Health Department website (links below) for the latest information and tips on prevention.
Rhonda Rudolph, Public Information Officer for Emergency Preparedness says the Health Department is working with all area agencies and organizations in coordination of efforts.
Rudolph issued the following guidelines.
Preventing illness:
· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a fresh tissue when coughing or sneezing.
· Try to maintain at least 6 feet distance from people coughing or who appear ill.
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:
· Low grade fever, but some people do not have a fever
· Cough
· Unexplained muscle aches and generally feeling ill
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
What to do if you become ill?
· If mildly ill stay home, but contact your doctor. They may want you to be tested.
· As much as possible stay in a room away from other people in your home.
· Call ahead before visiting your doctor or urgent care.
· Use disinfectant wipes on frequently touched areas in your home.
· Wash your hands often, even while sick to avoid spreading it to others in your home.
Governor Issues Additional Recommendations
Late Wednesday afternoon, Governor Whitmer issued additional recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“I urge all Michiganders to take these recommendations seriously and to share them with their friends, families, and coworkers,” said Governor Whitmer. “It’s on all of us to be safe and be smart for ourselves, our loved ones, our coworkers, and the public at large. We are encouraging schools, universities, businesses, and other organizations to use their best judgment about what steps are most appropriate to keep people safe and slow the spread of the disease.”
Community mitigation strategies are designed to be implemented at the individual, organizational, and community levels. The strategies include:
- Learn about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
- STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK, and Individuals at risk of severe illness should consider staying at home to avoid others who are sick.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones and light switches.
- Communicate and reinforce best practices for washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Be sure to maintain a supply of medications, food, and other essentials in your house.
- Cancel or postpone large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people).
Resources and links:
Jackson County Health Department
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Jacob Ladwig, Great Soak Hot Tubs
Matthew Budd, Jackson County Health Department
Today’s News – Thursday April 18th – The Morning Show
