Updates for Tuesday, March 24, 2020
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Watch the latest COVID-19 Update Video
- March 24 Updates | English | Spanish
- Please join us Monday - Friday, and as needed, for the Ottawa County Facebook Live updates at 4:30 pm. If you cannot make the live event, it will be in the posts and distributed via email bulletin with the updates for that day. If you are not on Facebook, you can still watch the videos via the links above. Links to previous update videos are listed at the end of this message. To stay-up-to ate on Ottawa County's response, visit the county's Facebook page or go to www.miOttawa.org/miHealth.
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COVID-19 positive cases - Fifteen (15)
Positive case counts will be updated daily by 4 pm on the website.
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Violating the Stay Home - Stay Safe Executive Order (EO 2020-21), which ends April 13, is punishable by a misdemeanor, $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Anyone can report violations to the Michigan Attorney General's consumer complaint hotline at (877) 765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/agcomplaints. Please reserve calling 911 for emergency calls ONLY. Click here for EO 2020-21 FAQs.
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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation & EO 2020-21
Local, state, and federal officials repeatedly emphasize the health benefits of physical activity while spending time in nature and the outdoors, especially while many are feeling anxious by the recent implications of the pandemic. Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Director, stressed that while Ottawa County Parks and Open Spaces are open to help meet those needs, he wants to make sure our local Parks and Open Spaces remain open.
“The Governor’s executive order allows people to leave their home to ‘engage in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household,’” Shamblin said. “We want residents to use and enjoy our parks and open spaces, but we plead with them to do so responsibly and safely, whether on a beach, in a forest, on a trail or in a parking lot.” It is extremely important that parks are not areas of congregation at this time. “If it becomes evident that people continue to disregarding effective social distancing while visiting the Ottawa County parks and open spaces, we will have no other choice but to close them to protect the health of our community.”
The Parks & Recreation Commission is working closely with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health and Emergency Management to ensure remain parks safe spaces for the physical and mental wellbeing of citizens during this difficult time. More information at www.miOttawa.org/parks.
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Ottawa County State of Emergency Declaration
Today, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, in accordance with section 10 of public act 390, completed a formal declaration for a State of Emergency in Ottawa County. The local declaration is in support of the State of Emergency in Michigan and the Federal State of Emergency at a national level. The response and recovery elements of the Ottawa County Emergency Operations Plan have been activated and local resources are being used to the fullest possible extent. The Ottawa County Emergency Operations Center has been active since March 11th in support and coordination to respond to the COVID-19 crisis in Ottawa County. All community stakeholders have been fully engaged and coordinated on the response.
Ottawa County Operations
More information about the county department’s limited operations, procedures and closures at www.miOttawa.org/closures. Online services are available at www.miottawa.org/OnlineServices.
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Health and human services available during Stay Home order
The Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance issued a statement that essential human services nonprofits will remain open during the Governor’s Stay Home Executive Order. The order does not exempt all local nonprofits. Residents are permitted to leave their homes to seek help with food, shelter and other basic needs. Also, people may leave their homes if they plan to volunteer with, or are transporting donations to, an essential service. If you’re a volunteer, please contact the agency to confirm hours of operation and other basic information. Observe social distancing when dropping off donations by remaining at least 6 ft. apart. More information at www.lakeshorenonprofits.org.
Support community relief efforts at www.careottawacounty.com
Access resources like food, housing and other basic needs at Call 2-1-1
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Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Food Map
Ottawa Area ISD has been working with local schools across the Ottawa area to ensure all students throughout the OAISD service region are included in meal distribution plans during the school closure period amid the COVID-19 health emergency. An interactive map of meal distribution locations is available on the Ottawa Area ISD website. The map is searchable by address or “use my location” information and may be accessed at https://oaisd.org/freestudentmeals.
Resources:
Previous media briefings and updates
Media contact: Kristina Wieghmink, OCDPH Public Information Officer, Phone/text (616) 510-8523
Case Investigations: Positive case counts will be updated daily by 4 pm on the website. Only positive case counts will be listed since COVID-19 laboratory testing has significantly increased throughout Michigan, making it difficult to know the exact number of submitted tests. With each confirmed positive case, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) communicable disease team and epidemiologists conduct investigations to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with a case. If you have been identified to be at risk, the OCDPH will contact you and take the immediate and appropriate steps to monitor, quarantine or recommend you for testing. The OCDPH continues to collaborate with the state health department and health care providers to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. People should continue to practice disease prevention measures and follow state guidelines and restrictions.
Testing information: Based upon the increase in COVID-19 cases statewide, people should act as though the virus may be present when they are in public places and should be taking all recommended prevention measures, including self-monitoring for signs or symptoms of COVID-19. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. Mildly ill people are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance. This will help prevent the additional spread of COVID-19 and save critical healthcare resources for those at high risk and who may need supportive care. DO NOT go in public even for essential services if you are not feeling well.
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