Posted March 29, 2020, on the WUPHD Web site
Reprinted with permission
HOUGHTON COUNTY -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) received notification on Sunday, March 29, of the first COVID-19 positive case in Houghton County. The Health Department continues to investigate the case to determine exposure risk to recent contacts.
"At this time, I advise the public to be diligent, yet level-headed in prevention efforts," said Cathryn A. Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "I urge you to get your information and situation updates from reputable sources such as the health department or your physician."
WUPHD will not be naming public low-risk exposure locations. Residents should behave as though the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community, including businesses and buildings that are open under the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21.*
First local death from COVID-19 in Gogebic County
On Friday, March 27, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) received notification of the first local death attributed to COVID-19. The individual was an elderly male Gogebic County resident with underlying health issues. The Health Department continues to investigate the case.
"Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who have lost their loved one," said Cathryn A. Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "This is a tragic reminder of how serious a threat COVID-19 is to our residents, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. We need to work together to protect each other, support each other, and slow the spread of this disease."
As a precaution, WUPHD is asking everyone to follow the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21 to "Stay Home. Stay Safe." Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others.
Remember, the symptoms of COVID-19 are not your usual runny nose and sneezing. Instead, COVID-19 symptoms include fever of >100.4, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. If you do become ill, call your doctor before going in to the office. Testing will be determined based on risk assessment. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should do the following:
- Stay home if they are sick
- Wash their hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
- Avoid touching their face; avoid shaking hands
- Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing
COVID-19 Exposure -- What Should I Do?
Centers for Disease Control: Novel Coronavirus
Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools
Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for COVID-19 in the United States
Michigan’s Coronavirus Website
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Coronavirus Q and A
Coronavirus and You
How the Novel Coronavirus Spreads
What to do if you are Sick with the Coronavirus
FAQs About Respirators and Their Use
Coronavirus: What the Public Should Do
Coronavirus Information for Travelers
Information for Healthcare Professionals
EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus
* See Gov. Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-21 here.
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