HOLLAND (PRESS RELEASE) — Allegan County Health Department officials announced the county’s first positive test reult for the coronavirus called COVID-19): An 85-year-old currently hospitalized. The patient got tested Friday, March 20, 2020.
Allegan County Health officials are investigating any close contacts the patient may have had. They will be instructed to go on home quarantine, which means staying inside for at least 14 days.
“With this positive, we know that COVID-19 is in our community,” said Angelique Joynes, MPH, RN, Allegan County Health Officer. “The community has done a great job of applying social distancing and personal hygiene habits. Please continue to be diligent so we can slow the spread of COVID-19.”
As announced by Ottawa County officials earlier this week, low-risk public spaces are not being identified.
Residents should behave, they as, as though the virus is present in community, and follow all recommendations: Stay at least 6 feet away from others; frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, stay home if ill, and stay away from others who are ill.
Allegan County officials will talk to media later today. County officials scheduled to speak include Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Jim Storey, Health Officer Angelique Joynes, MPH, RN, Sheriff Frank Baker, Emergency Manager Scott Corbin, Fire Chief Greg Janik, and Allegan Area Educational Services Agency Superintendent William Brown.
Visit www.allegancounty.org/health. A local COVID-19 informational hotline is also available from daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (269) 686-4546.
Additional accurate information is available at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus; www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
