LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Oakland County Health Division and Wayne County Health Department confirmed Tuesday night that two Michigan residents tested presumptive positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the first confirmed cases in the state.
As a result, Whitmer has declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts and assist local governments and officials to slow the spread of the virus.
“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.”
According to Whitmer, one of these 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.
Both are described as being middle-aged and both have been hospitalized.
Clinical specimens were collected and sent to the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories where both tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. Specimens will now be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.
“We are taking the identification of COVID-19 in our state very seriously,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We continue to urge Michiganders to take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus in our state.”
Health officials in both Wayne County and Oakland County have issued statements on each of these patients.
“This patient in Wayne County is currently under isolation. Our Public Health Division is working to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient so we can take appropriate steps and monitor them closely,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “We are continuing to collaborate with the state health department and recommend residents continue to practice prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
“Oakland County and our Health Division will investigate the circumstances around this case so we understand if there are any potential close contacts,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We must all as individuals and communities continue our prevention and preparedness strategies as we hope for a full recovery for this member of the community.”
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; and
- 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 https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
