HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Michgian Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, are calling for area residents to be intentional and rational in repsonding to an increase in cases of the coronavirus called COVID-19.
This virus is considered 10 times more-deadly than the flu. The flu has killed between 12,000 – 61,000 people each year since 2010.
Huizenga told his telephone town hall audience on Wednedsay, March 12, 2020 the virus “is real and it is serious.”
The virus is now considered an pandemic, meaning COVID-19 is in every community.
He and other federal officials urge people to plan, not panic. Huiznga said he’d been in touch with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, adding that the state’s plans and messages are appropriate, as are those of county health officials.
He said the concerns now are targeting prevention, encouraging anyone with symptoms to visit their doctors versus going to an emergency room. But, he said, call your doctor’s office in advance.
Members of Congress have been briefed on the possible conomic affect of widespread illness, Huizenga said, and he will be focused on the mechanics of getting financial aid to the community, which could include small business loans.
Whitmer appealed to business owners to relax rules about absenteeism and required doctor’s excuses, for the time being. She said doctors may not have time to write those notes. Anyone reading this should verify rule changes with their own employers or employees.
“Stay home if you’re sick,” Whitmer said, strongly encouraging people to wash hands often, and regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Huizenga referred to the virus as “sticky,” saying it survives longer on surfaces than flu or cold germs.
Social distancing is another key to reducing the spead of the virus, officials are saying, asking people to cancel or delay events involving 100 or more people. Visit our cancellation page or call ahead before heading out to events. Michigan High School Athletic Association officials said Wednesday they’ll continue post-season playoffs but limiting or banning spectators.
Michigan health and human services officials indicate that 120 people have been are approved for COVID-19 testing as of Thursday, March 12 91 do not have the virus. Two do, and are hospitalized; 28 people are awaiting test results. So far, 520 have been referred for assessment and monitoring. The numbers are being updated every night by state officials.
COVID-19 symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure, which is why officials are asking people to self-quarantine if they become ill. Here is a list of the most-common symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Call your doctor if symptoms are extreme. How to care for yourself if ill, according to the CDC:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
- Avoid public areas:Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
- When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
