LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Ed McBroom on Friday reminded Upper Peninsula residents that up-to-date COVID-19 data is available free online.
“I have received inquiries from constituents seeking the latest COVID-19 statistics and information,” said McBroom, R-Vulcan. “State officials have been compiling and releasing updated information online each afternoon, including case counts and reported deaths by county as well as other, more detailed data.”
As of Friday, there were 40 confirmed cases of the virus in the 38th Senate District and five reported COVID-19 deaths. Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic and Marquette counties have positive cases and reported deaths, and Houghton, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties have confirmed cases but no reported deaths to date.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website, located at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163_98173—,00.html, is currently updated with the latest information daily at 3 p.m.
Residents with health-related questions about COVID-19 may call the state’s free hotline at 1-888-535-6136, daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT.
Experts are available to field questions and can help direct residents, providers and more to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments. They cannot, however, provide individual clinical advice or a diagnosis.
Residents who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and are symptomatic should call their health care provider.
“This is an unprecedented, trying time for all of us,” McBroom said. “But I remain optimistic that we will come out of this stronger. The social distancing and other measures are having a positive effect, and I am grateful for everyone’s patience in seeing this through. I also cannot say enough about the strength and resolve of our health care providers. I thank God for all they are doing every day to help people and save lives.”
According to DHHS, people confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
To help prevent viruses like COVID-19, influenza and the common cold:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap is 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.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others, especially if you are sick.
- Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
- Wear a face mask while out in public.
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