Non-Resident of Gogebic County tests positive locally for COVID-19

GOGEBIC COUNTY, Mich. -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) is investigating a positive COVID-19 case in Gogebic County in a non-resident. The person recently traveled from an urban area to visit family. WUPHD is currently interviewing the person and informing any close contacts about exposure risk. The case was briefly reported by the state as a Gogebic County resident as they sought medical attention locally.

"We must continue to be diligent in our efforts to prevent a large outbreak," said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "I urge you to continue limiting travel and to practice good hygiene by washing your hands, staying home if you are ill, and thoroughly cleaning commonly touched surfaces."

The health department is reminding everyone to use face coverings upon entering indoor public spaces such as grocery stores and while picking up food from restaurants. Information on the proper use of face coverings can be found here.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
People should seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, or bluish lips or face.

WUPHD is working to coordinate their response with community partners. A local COVID-19 informational call line is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at (906) 487-5545. Updates are also available at www.wupdhd.org.

There is a State informational hotline available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time seven days per week. That number is 1-888-535-6136. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on the MDHHS website (www.michigan.gov/coronavirus), or the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/).

Click here for the WUPHD Coronavirus testing statistics as of May 5, 2020.