Mt. Clements, MI - Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel today announced a State of Emergency for Macomb County to deal with and help stop the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
The Macomb County Health Department this evening announced the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Macomb County. The diagnosed individual is a middle-aged adult male with a history of travel, and is currently hospitalized. The Health Department is working to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient so they can take appropriate actions and monitor them for symptoms.
Declaring a State of Emergency is within the rights of the county executive per Section 10 of Public Act 390 of 1976. This declaration activates response and recovery elements of the county’s emergency operations plan and directs county resources to be utilized to the fullest extent.
“Macomb County is taking every step possible to protect our residents,” said Executive Hackel. “Today I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure resources are available to fight the virus and to contain its spread. I want to remind everyone to continue to take preventative measures, like frequently washing their hands or staying home when they are sick.”
The Macomb County Health Department is continuing to work closely with community partners, healthcare providers, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to actively monitor and respond to COVID-19. Please note: The Macomb County Health Department is not a testing site for COVID-19. If residents have any of the symptoms of the virus (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), they should call their health care provider or the county help line at 586-463-3750.
Residents or individuals who have businesses within Macomb County are encouraged to take advantage of the county’s online services in lieu of visiting county buildings in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. A list of online services is being actively developed at: https://government.macombgov.org/Government-OnlineServices
Other services that will not be interrupted at this time include our Macomb County Office of Senior Services Meals on Wheels program, which will continue providing home delivered meals to participants.
As a reminder, the Macomb County Health Department recommends the following prevention tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands.
- Stay home when sick except to get medical care.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing cups, drinking bottles, utensils and eating food from the same dish.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- If anyone believes they have symptoms and have recently traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, or other destinations with risk of community spread, or have been in contact with someone who has had the virus, they should promptly call their health care provider or hospital prior to arriving so that the appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.
- Maintain a two-week supply of water and food at home, and routinely check your regular prescription drugs to ensure that you won’t run out.
- Keep non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand.
- Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records.
- Talk with family members about how they would be cared for if they got sick and what would be needed to care for them in your home.
For more information about COVID-19, visit https://health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-DC-Coronavirus or call the Health Department at 586-469-5235.