MICHIGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Health officials say the 25th case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the state.
On Friday, an additional 13 individuals were reported by state health officials to test positive for the respiratory illness.
That came after 10 adults tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the state’s total of COVID-19 cases to 12.
Those cases included:
- An adult female from Ingham County with history of travel on a cruise.
- Two adult females from Kent County and one adult male, all with history of international travel.
- An adult female from Montcalm with history of international travel.
- Two adult males from Oakland County; one with no travel history and one with domestic travel.
- An adult male from St. Clair County with history of domestic travel.
- One adult female and one adult male from Washtenaw County; one with history of domestic travel and one with history of international travel.
On Tuesday night, the first two cases in Michigan were reported in Oakland and Wayne counties, quickly followed with an emergency declaration by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“We continue to urge Michiganders to take precautions to prevent the spread COVID-19 in our state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We have to proactively implement community mitigation strategies that will help prevent the spread of the disease, and particularly protect our most vulnerable Michiganders.”
All state universities and most private colleges in Michigan have suspended in-person classes following the state of emergency declaration.
On Thursday night, Governor Whitmer issued an executive order shutting down all K-12 school facilities from Monday, March 16th through Sunday, April 5th to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The next day she issued an additional order temporarily banning all event and gathering with more than 250 people from Friday, March 13th to Sunday, April 5th.
Numerous local organizations, services, and events have been temporarily shut down or postponed to prevent the illnesses spread.
More information will be provided as it comes.
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In recent weeks, Whitmer prepared a series of different task forces in anticipation of the coronavirus hitting Michigan, each dedicated to combating one facet of the outbreak:
- The COVID-19 Task Force on State Operations, covering all aspects of state operations, including employment and facilities
- The COVID-19 Task Force on Health and Human Services, covering the provision of medical and human services, including protecting the healthcare workforce
- The COVID-19 Task Force on Education, covering K-12 public schools and universities and colleges
- The COVID-19 Task Force on Economy/Workforce, covering general economic impact, workforce, supply chain, business continuity, and related issues.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
CDC officials believe these symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
Health officials maintain that practicing proper hygiene is the best way to avoid getting infected.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- 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.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- This is an ongoing matter and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The most up-to-date information can be found online at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
