February 28, 2020 | COVID-19
Media Contact: Kristina Wieghmink, Public Information Officer, (616) 510-8523
General COVID-19 Inquiries: Communicable Disease Surveillance, (616) 396-5266
There is an expanding global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The disease it causes is called Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19. It was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. While most COVID-19 cases outside of China have been associated with travel to or from China, community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries. For the general American public, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa County or in Michigan.
- Monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily.
- Continually communicating with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and healthcare providers.
- Reviewing preparedness and response plans.
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, everyday preventive actions help to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19. These include
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Should I wear a facemask?
- If you are well, the CDC does not recommend a facemask to protect against respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.
LEARN MORE at www.cdc.gov/covid19
Given that COVID-19 is a new disease, it is understandable that its emergence and spread cause confusion, anxiety and fear among the general public. These factors can give rise to false information and harmful stereotypes.
- The risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is currently low. Some people who have traveled to places where many people have gotten sick with COVID-19 may be monitored by health officials to protect their health and the health of other people in the community.
- Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19. Stigma can
- Drive people to hide the illness to avoid discrimination.
- Prevent people from seeking health care immediately.
- Discourage them from adopting healthy behaviors
LEARN MORE
Schools I Communities I Businesses I Healthcare Professionals I Travelers
Family Preparedness: Prepare Your Health
What you need to know poster: English I Spanish I Simplified Chinese
What to do if you are sick poster: English I Spanish I Simplified Chinese
Stop the spread of germs poster: English I Spanish I Simplified Chinese
Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 poster: English I Spanish
CDC protects and prepares communities poster: English
Getting your workplace ready guidance: English
OSHA COVID-19 Standards: English I Spanish
For more information on topics like the safety of packages from affected countries, please see CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
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