Pontiac, MI - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported tonight three more presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Oakland County resulting in six total cases in the county.
The new cases include an adult woman with international travel history and an adult man and woman who are a couple with no travel history. Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) is identifying and contacting close contacts of these individuals, assessing for risk and determining management of those exposed.
Out of an abundance of caution, anyone that was present at the following locations on the dates and times listed below should be alert for symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If any develop, stay at home and promptly call a healthcare provider or hospital prior to arriving so that the appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.
New exposure locations
March 4, 2020
- New York International, 7435 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield Township, 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Walmart, 3301 Pontiac Trail, Commerce Charter Township, 11:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Updated information about previously reported exposure locations
March 1, 2020
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 9000 Middlebelt Rd, Romulus-McNamara terminal, 7:00-9:00 a.m.
March 4, 2020
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 9000 Middlebelt Rd, Romulus-McNamara terminal, 6:30-7:15 a.m.
“It is vital that our residents adhere to all recommendations made to limit exposure so together we are taking steps to limit the spread of this virus,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “We must all remain vigilant as more cases are reported,”
Earlier today Coulter declared a state of emergency in the county, allowing him to shift resources quickly to assist residents, businesses and communities affected by the spread of the coronavirus. The county also established the Oakland County Help Hotline – 248-858-1000 – to address non-health needs of the general public such as food or housing assistance. The hotline will be staffed 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday.
The Health Division’s Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 will be available for extended hours to answer questions about COVID-19 on Saturday, March 14 from 8:00-5:00 p.m.
Some people that may be at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness includes:
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease and diabetes
Prevention tips include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough/sneeze in your upper sleeve. Immediately throw away used tissues in the trash, then wash hands.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Staying home when sick except to get medical care.
- Avoiding close contact, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
- Practicing good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- Being prepared with the following supplies:
- Maintain a two-week supply of water and food at home
- 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
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Sustained community spread of COVID-19 is occurring globally. Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease and should postpone nonessential travel. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for detailed information about international and domestic travel notices.
Preparedness planning toolkits and prevention resources are available at www.oakgov.com/health for the public, healthcare providers, businesses, schools, childcare centers, faith-based organizations, senior centers, food service workers and first responders. The toolkits include links to interim guidance from the CDC, prevention signage and handouts, and tools such as social media posts specific to various settings.
Visit Oakland County Health Division’s Coronavirus website regularly for updated information, because this is an evolving situation. For more information about COVID-19, visit www.oakgov.com/health or call Nurse on Call at 800- 848- 5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during regular business hours. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.