YPSILANTI, Mich., – Last night (March 12), Washtenaw County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Washtenaw County’s first two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both diagnosed individuals remain isolated in their homes and have been working closely with the Health Department to identify close contacts and other lower-risk contacts so they can be notified, quarantined, and alert to the possibility of symptoms. Washtenaw County is providing additional, public information to inform the community about possible, lower-risk exposures.
“We continue to closely monitor all individuals with direct, personal contact with the identified cases, such as household contacts” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, Washtenaw County Medical Director. “In addition, we want our community to be fully aware of any possible, but lower-risk community exposures.”
As a precaution, Washtenaw County Health Department is asking anyone in the following locations at the specific day and time listed to watch themselves for symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If symptoms appear, contact your health care provider or the Health Department. There are no ongoing exposure concerns at these locations.
Monday, March 9
- Detroit Metro Airport, 9000 Middlebelt Road, Romulus, North Terminal in the afternoon, approximately 12:00 to 1 pm
- The Hair Spot, 1512 North Maple Road, Ann Arbor from 5:15 to 5:45 pm
- The Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 North Washington, Ann Arbor from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
In addition, Oakland County Health Division announced a low-risk, possible exposure on Saturday, March 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Tap Room, 201 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti.
Health experts are still learning about how this new coronavirus spreads. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact (within about six feet) of an ill person, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Again, the named locations and times are likely lower-risk exposures.
“Please remember this is a time for us to support each other and work together to reduce any possible spread of illness in our community,” said Jimena Loveluck, Health Officer with Washtenaw County Health Department. “We understand this is a difficult time. We are working tirelessly to do all we can to protect health, and we ask for everyone’s continued cooperation and support.”
Please refer to official sources of reliable information about COVID-19.
We continue to recommend prevention strategies to reduce the spread of germs and protect everyone’s health.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish.
- Clean your hands often. Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. View additional prevention steps from CDC for people at higher risk. Consult with your health care provider for more steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
Last night, Governor Whitmer ordered all K-12 schools close starting Monday, March 16: “This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” Whitmer said. “I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”
REMEMBER: Discrimination harms public health. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else.
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board and maintains state accreditation though the Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.
