Ingham County COVID-19 Cases May Be Linked To Recent Travel

LANSING, Mich. – Ingham County health officials are asking people who have recently traveled to states with a “high risk” of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19) to quarantine for 14 days.

The recommendation comes as COVID-19 cases increase across Ingham County, which authorities say can be largely attributed to recent travel.

“About a third of the positive cases in Ingham County have recently traveled in its history,” said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer. “Traveling can be a very risky activity right now. Many people are used to being able to escape in the summer, but this is not a typical summer. We urge caution and avoidance of nonessential travel, especially to high-risk areas. “

Several outbreaks have been linked to locations in Ingham County, including Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub in East Lansing, Riverfront Animal Hospital in Lansing, and the CATA bus service in Lansing.

COVID-19 cases have also increased at dramatic rates across the U.S., and the Covid Act Now group is identifying which states have the highest and lowest risks of virus outbreaks and spread. Ingham County health officials are urging people to use this information to influence their travel plans, avoiding regions that are at high risk of spreading COVID-19.

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Authorities recommend that people be quarantined if they recently visited one of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.

Recent travelers should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, which can develop up to 14 days after exposure. If symptoms of COVID-19 develop, people should contact their GP or visit a free Michigan site to get tested. People must isolate themselves while waiting for the test results.

Health officials are also encouraging employers to exclude recent travelers from the workplace and offer telecommuting, if possible.

Dissemination from person to person

The virus is believed to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory drops produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can fall into the mouth or nose of close people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can anyone transmit the virus without being sick?

• The spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who do not show symptoms can still carry the virus and can still pass it on to others.

Propagation of contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

It is possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not believed to be the main way the virus spreads

How easily the virus spreads

The ease with which a virus is transmitted from person to person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (easily spread), like measles, while other viruses are not as easily spread. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continuously without stopping.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The best way to prevent disease is to avoid exposing yourself to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends daily preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a disposable tissue, then throw it away.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Click here for more CDC guidelines.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about COVID-19 here.

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