Coulter: More stringent steps implemented as three Oakland County residents

Pontiac, Mich., March 13, 2020 —The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Thursday night announced two additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Oakland County resulting in three total cases in the county. Both new cases are adult males, one with no known travel history, the other with history of domestic travel. Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) is identifying close contacts of these individuals, assessing for risk and determining management of those exposed.

Out of an abundance of caution, anyone that was present at the following locations on the dates and times listed below should be alert for symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If any develop, stay at home and promptly call a healthcare provider or hospital prior to arriving so that the appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.

March 1, 2020

• Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 9000 Middlebelt Rd, Romulus, time and location to be determined

March 4, 2020

• Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 9000 Middlebelt Rd, Romulus, time and location to be determined

March 5, 202

• Burger King, 27700 23 Mile Rd, Chesterfield Township, 12:15-12:35 p.m.
• White Castle, 27760 23 Mile Rd, New Baltimore, 12:15-12:35 p.m.
• Hobby Lobby, 4715 24th Ave., #100, Fort Gratiot Township, 1:00 p.m.

March 6, 2020

• Poole’s Tavern, 157 E Main St., Northville, 12:30-1:00 p.m.
• Five Guys, 3561 28^th St SE, Grand Rapids, 6:30-7:00 p.m.

March 7, 2020

• Tap Room, 201 W Michigan Avenue Ypsilanti, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• MSA Woodland, 2100 28^th St SE, Grand Rapids, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Texas Roadhouse, 3776 28^th SE, Kentwood, 4:30-6:15 p.m.
• USA Hockey Arena, 14900 N Beck Rd, Plymouth, 5:30-10:30 p.m.

March 8, 2020

• Subway, 6260 28^th St SE, Grand Rapids, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Jimmy Johns, 5925 28^th St SE, Grand Rapids, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Burger King, 1515 E Grand River Ave, Portland, 3:45-4:00 p.m.

“We must all pull together as a community and implement the stringent mitigation strategies essential to slow the spread of this virus,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “I have instructed county staff to use all tools available to protect the elderly, support students as schools close, and educate the public on restricting large gatherings.”

Coulter has directed the following actions as part of the County’s ongoing coronavirus preparedness efforts:

• Full activation of the Emergency Operations Center to enable the county to assist our partners and stakeholders with coordinating resources and response to this public health emergency.
• Public health orders to enforce actions aimed at reducing disease spread may be implemented.
• Continue essential county services; support online options; explore grace periods and fee reductions; encourage teleworking and expansion of emergency leave policies to support county employees.
• Intensify social distancing strategies by employers, faith-based institutions and entertainment venues.
• Support for students out of school and in need of healthy food options and health care services.

Some people that may be at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness includes:

• Older adults
• People who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease and diabetes

“The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “The simple everyday actions you take to help avoid the spread of flu and other illnesses will also help prevent the spread of coronaviruses.”

Prevention tips include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough/sneeze in your upper sleeve. Immediately throw away used tissues in the trash, then wash hands.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Staying home when sick except to get medical care.
• Avoiding close contact, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
• Practicing good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Being prepared with the following supplies:
  • Maintain a two-week supply of water and food at home
  • Routinely check your regular prescription drugs to ensure that you won’t run out
  • Keep non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand
  • Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records
  • Talk with family members about how they would be cared for if they got sick and what would be needed to care for them in your home
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Sustained community spread of COVID-19 is occurring globally. Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease and should postpone nonessential travel. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for detailed information about international and domestic travel notices.

Preparedness planning toolkits and prevention resources are available at www.oakgov.com/health for the public, healthcare providers, businesses, schools, childcare centers, faith-based organizations, senior centers, food service workers and first responders. The toolkits include links to interim guidance from the CDC, prevention signage and handouts, and tools such as social media posts specific to various settings.

Visit Oakland County Health Division’s Coronavirus website regularly for updated information, because this is an evolving situation. For more information about COVID-19, visit www.oakgov.com/health or call Nurse on Call at 800-848- 5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media & communications officer, at (248) 858-1048.

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