HOLALND (WHTC-AM/FM) — During WHTC’s open-line segments on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, callers asked why news organizations are spending so much time on stories about an emerging type of coronavirus, COVID-19. Because the virus is moving quickly, a series of proactive and preventative measures are being put in place by school, sports and government officials, among others.
For starters, Michigan officials announced two diagnosed cases, one in Oakland County and one in Wayne County. Hope College officials disclosed on Monday a student would be tested after a possible exposure to the new virus, and some mild symptoms.
Hope College officials announced Wednesday night the student did not have COVID-19, but classes are cancelled Thursday as well, telling students to start spring break early and remain home until at least April 13, 2020. Online classes will start on March 23. Hope’s complete statement is online.
Grand Valley State University announced Wednesday the school would shutter starting Thursday, March 12, reopening on March 16 with online-only classes. Students living on campus are being encouraged to leave, but if they need to stay, school officials will support that decision. But GVSU is canceling large events, expected to draw more than 100 people, including those organized by outside groups.
Grand Rapids Learning Center at GRCC will be closed Thursday and Friday, according to officials at that school.
As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Michigan’s Health and Human Services Department has the following statistics:
Of the 77 tested for COVID-19:
- 57 did not have it
- 2 did have it; both are hospitalized
- 18 test results are pending
Healthcare professionals emphasize that this is “an evolving situation” and guidelines could change based on how the virus progresses. At this point, the state’s guidelines are as follows:
- Learn about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
- STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK, and Individuals at risk of severe illness should consider staying at home to avoid others who are sick.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones and light switches.
- Communicate and reinforce best practices for washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Be sure to maintain a supply of medications, food, and other essentials in your house.
- Cancel or postpone large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people).
- Reduce in-person gatherings and activities, especially for organizations with individuals at risk of severe illness. Consider offering video or audio of events.
- Consider tele-learning or tele-work opportunities, where feasible.
- Limit non-essential work travel.
- If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
- Limit visitors at hospitals and other facilities to only those who are absolutely necessary and implement screening of visitors for temperature and respiratory symptoms.
This is a rapidly developing and changing situation. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
