Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on March 10 declared a state of emergency after two Michigan residents tested presumptive positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the first confirmed cases in Michigan.
The emergency declaration was made to maximize efforts and assist local governments and officials to slow COVID-19, a virus strain first identified in Wuhan, China, that has only spread in people since December 2019.
Health experts at the state, local and federal levels are closely monitoring the situation because little is known about the new virus.
The symptoms for COVID-19 appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days. People with confirmed infections have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19, according to MDHHS and the CDC, is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds; if not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Avoid public areas such as work and school and avoid using public transportation
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others as well as keep away from pets and animals
- Replace handshakes with elbow bumps
- Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces on a daily basis
Call your doctor or healthcare provider if you believe you have COVID-19; or call 911 if you have a medical emergency.
Local healthcare providers and health departments are working diligently to identify anyone suspected of having COVID-19 or who has come in contact with individuals who have.
If you have questions on COVID-19, MDHHS has a hotline available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (888) 535-6136.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Attorney General's Office is urging Michigan residents to report any price-gouging complaints related to COVID-19 online or by phone at (877) 765-8388.
