LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Rick Outman shared information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Thursday evening regarding additional cases of coronavirus being announced — including one in Montcalm County.
“Unfortunately, a female from Montcalm County was included in the most recent update from state and local health professionals,” said Outman, R-Six Lakes. “It is important that everyone stay calm and continue forward with the suggested protocols. Be sure to practice everyday hygiene and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines closely.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and health departments in Ingham, Kent, Montcalm, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties confirmed 10 adults tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 12.
As a result, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the state is ordering the closure of all K-12 school buildings, public, private, and boarding, to students starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. School buildings are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is continuously updating its website as new information becomes available and state and local health officials are working to keep residents informed and up to date.
It is recommended that residents avoid large crowds when possible, and especially avoid people who are sick. People should wash their hands regularly using warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds and do their best to avoid touching their face. If someone has to sneeze or cough, do so in a tissue, then properly dispose of the tissue in the wastebasket. It’s also recommended that residents take extra care when cleaning or wiping frequently used spaces in their home or at work.
Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Patients with confirmed coronavirus infection have respiratory issues and symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Residents who are experiencing any of these symptoms, or are not feeling well, should stay home and consult their doctor.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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