Michigan now has 12 coronavirus cases, three of them in Oakland County. Health officials released the places, dates, and times when folks were thought to contract the virus “out of an abundance of caution.” They’re also telling people to look for signs if they’ve been to these places during the timeframes.
Oakland County COVID-19 Cases
There are two new cases in Oakland county – both adult men. One has not traveled at all, while the other traveled domestically. The Oakland County Health Division continues to work diligently to find out who else may have been exposed to the virus. Keep an eye out for signs if you’ve been to these places where the two men have been:
- March 1 & March 4 – Detroit Metro Airport
- March 5 – The Burger King on 23 Mile Road in Chesterfield Township; White Castle on 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore; the Hobby Lobby on 24th Ave. in Fort Gratiot Township.
- March 6 – Poole’s Tavern in Northville; Five Guys on 28th St. in Grand Rapids.
- March 7 – The Tap Room on Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti; The MAS Woodland on 28th St. in Grand Rapids; Texas Roadhouse on 28th St. E in Kentwood; USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth
- March 8 – Subway restaurant on 28th St. in Grand Rapids; Jimmy John’s on 28th St. in Grand Rapids; Burger Kin on E. Grand River Ave. in Portland
The third case in Oakland County is an adult woman who is reported to have had minimal contact with other people. Therefore the risk of community exposure regarding her case is considered minimal.
What To Do If You Think You Have Symptoms
The first thing to do is get home immediately and call your family doctor. Call your local health department if you do not have a family doctor. You can find the number for your local health department online by clicking here. Beaumont also now has a coronavirus hotline and can be reached at 248-551-7000. You should NOT head to a medical facility such as a doctor’s office, hospital, or walk-in clinic. It is essential to call first. If they feel you should be tested or seen, you will be given instructions for the next steps.
Impacts at Local Hospitals
Many hospitals such as Beaumont Health, Michigan Medicine, and Detroit Medical Center announce visitor restrictions. I know this can be difficult and frustrating for those who want to visit loved ones who are ill. However, these steps are being implemented only to limit the spread of the contagious coronavirus. For everyone, not just patients and the public, but doctors, nurses, and other medical staff who work very hard to help sick people. So, please, before visiting anyone at the hospital, call them first to see if they are accepting visitors. Generally speaking, patients are allowed one to two adult visitors. Except under extreme circumstances, children under 16 may not be allowed to visit hospital patients. And this may go without saying, but anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms is not permitted to see hospital patients.
Testing in Michigan
Currently, health officials can test approximately 1,300 people. Health Officials believe there are enough tests, but that could change very fast. The virus is extremely contagious. And, as it spreads, more people will need to be tested. But, with schools closing, events being postponed, people working from home, and through social distancing practices, I’m optimistic we can slow down the spread.
