At least 14 schools in southeast Michigan have reported outbreaks of coronavirus in the past two weeks, health officials say.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is currently collecting case counts related to outbreaks in K-12 schools and universities, MDHHS spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin told MLive on Thursday, August 20th.
Health officials would not name the schools that have reported outbreaks in Michigan. Sutfin told MLive that on August 6, 14 school-related outbreaks were reported by local health departments in the following regions:
- One outbreak in Region 1, which includes the counties of Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, and Shiawassee;
- Eight outbreaks in Region 2 South, which includes Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties and the city of Detroit;
- Two outbreaks in Region 2 North, which includes the counties of Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair;
- Three outbreaks in Region 3, which includes Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gladwin, Huron, Iosco, Lapeer, Midland, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola.
The reported outbreaks come as many schools in the state are preparing to welcome students back for personal learning amid a pandemic in the coming weeks. Michigan health experts recognize that outbreaks are almost unforgettable – the goal will be to limit their occurrence and extent.
RELATED: Coronavirus Risk Assessment for Michigan Schools: Where and When Is It Safe to Reopen?
However, if outbreaks occur, it is unlikely that the districts will announce them to the public.
Sutfin said outbreaks of infectious disease are not often reported to the media as the public, “unless there is a broad risk to the general public and all exposed people cannot be informed.”
“Health departments are investigating many different types of outbreaks of infectious disease, including COVID, and it is common practice for public health to focus on who is actually at risk of a disease because they are in close contact, and around those who are at risk, ‘she said.
“Health departments will work closely with schools to ensure that anyone at risk for exposure is notified and the proper procedures are in place. Others whose children are at risk are always notified. ‘
The state health department plans to publish regional outbreak data, including data on school outbreaks, “in the near future,” Sutfin said.
“MDHHS is committed to providing accurate and timely information to keep students, parents and educators safe,” she said in an email.
In some of the regions with reported outbreaks, some schools have recently announced a switch to distance learning after offering earlier classes
Most often, Michigan State University – in Region 1 – on Tuesday turned off its fall-class schedule on distance learning, asking students who plan to live in bedrooms to stay home. MSU had originally planned for a hybrid learning model of individuals and online classes in the fall. No recent outbreak has been reported by MSU.
Earlier this summer, a popular bar near MSU’s campus, Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub in East Lansing came under control after it was identified as a coronavirus epicenter, leading to more than 180 linked cases.
‘I felt with that data for us, where we saw these cases take place and saw what happened where the number of beds that were set aside for quarantine or isolation was quickly depleted (at other universities), that was a situation that’ “We really did not want to be in it,” said MSU President Samuel Stanley jr.
The Saginaw Public Schools Board of Education on Wednesday approved a new launch plan to bring the neighborhood back to classes this fall, officially switching to an all-remote format to countywide spikes in COVID-19 cases.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed legislation outlining expectations for schools reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving it largely up to local districts and health departments to determine how schools should reopen safely open up.
On Thursday, August 20, the state reported 419 new cases of coronavirus. The state averages 615 new cases and 11 new deaths per day, according to seven-day moving averages.
To help you navigate this complicated fall, we & # 39; re happy to offer you an easier way to get all your education news: Our new Michigan Schools: Education in the COVID Era newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. To receive this newsletter, simply click here to sign up.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing your hands regularly and not recommending your face, officials advise practicing social distance, assuming everyone carries the virus.
Health officials say you should stay at least 6 feet away from others and work from home, if possible.
Use disinfectant wipes or disinfect spray cleaners on frequently touching surfaces in your home (door handles, faucet, tape tops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go to places like shops.
Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face masks over their mouths and noses when they are in public indoor and outdoor areas. See an explanation of what that means here.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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