Director of Health: seeing a continuous spread in our community
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This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the appearance of a crown surrounding the virion, when viewed electronically under a microscope. A new coronavirus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory disease first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The disease caused by this virus has been called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). LessThis illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, … more
Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Midland County added eight new confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the daily state report Wednesday afternoon, bringing its total pandemic to 153 cases and nine deaths.
Every county in the five-county region that Daily News has been chronicling since the start of the pandemic added at least one new case in Wednesday’s report. No deaths were reported.
“We are investigating some new cases and we are seeing a continued spread in our community and in Michigan,” according to Fred Yanoski, director / health officer for Midland County. “This is a critical time to do everything possible to mitigate the spread. Wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and maintaining social distance will have an impact in preventing the spread of the disease.”
The state added 891 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and four deaths on Wednesday. A quick review of Daily News records shows this is the second-highest number of cases since May 14, when 1,191 cases were recorded. The third and fourth highest numbers since May 14 were reported on May 18 (773) and May 20 (659).
On Wednesday, Isabella County added eight new cases and Bay County added four, with a total of 147 cases and eight deaths and 400 cases and 31 deaths, respectively.
Gladwin County added one new case and Saginaw County 24, bringing its total pandemic to 29 cases and one death and 1,385 cases and 122 deaths.
The state report shows that Midland County, as of Wednesday, July 15, performed 6,679 diagnostic tests and 565 serology tests (looking for antibodies), with a total of 7,244 tests. Gladwin County is listed as administered 2,221 diagnostic tests and 87 serology tests (looking for antibodies), totaling 2,308 tests.
A Midland business, Mi Element Grains & Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave., reported on its Facebook page early Wednesday morning that it was closed until staff received results from coronavirus cases.
“We have just discovered that we have a family member who recently had outdoor contact with someone who tested positive for the CORONA virus,” said a post on the Facebook page of My Element. “With great caution, we are all being evaluated this morning. We will keep the business closed until we get the results. Please be safe and take care of each other.”
Brittany Manor in Midland is listed in the state report as having two cumulative, no-fatal cases among residents as of July 14, and two cumulative, no-fatal cases among staff. The Daughter of the King of Midland reports a cumulative case among residents as of July 14. The other reporting facilities, Medilodge of Midland and Stratford Pines do not report any cases.
The Gladwin County Nursing Home is listed as having two cumulative confirmed cases and no deaths among residents as of June 18, and one confirmed and no deaths case among staff. The other long-term health center reporting to the state, Gladwin Nursing & Rehabilitation Community does not report confirmed cases or deaths among residents and staff.
The state lists the total recovered in 43,867 cases, as of July 10, representing individuals confirmed by COVID-19 with a start date of June 10 or earlier, according to the state website, mich.gov. The numbers will be updated every Saturday.
Dr. Catherine Bodnar, medical director of the Midland County Department of Public Health, said it is critical that people take the following steps:
• Social distance of at least 6 feet from non-household members.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• 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.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based disinfectant with at least 60% alcohol.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Wear facial coatings in public.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover when coughing and sneezing.
• Throw used tissues in the trash right after you use them.
• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces with a cloth or household cleaning spray.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider for advice. If he / she is not available, call MidMichigan Urgent Care in Midland at 989-633-1350 or the MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland Emergency Department at 989-839-3100.
MidMichigan Health has a COVID-19 information hotline with a reminder of CDC guidelines and recommendations. The hotline can be called toll free at 800-445-7356 or 989-794-7600. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also has a hotline number for Michigan residents with questions about COVID-19. The number is 1-888-535-6136 and is available seven days a week from 8 am to 5 pm Residents can also send an email to [email protected]. Emails will be answered seven days a week between 8 am and 5 pm
If you feel anxious, stressed, depressed, and feel like you need to talk to someone, contact Community Mental Health for Central Michigan at 800-317-0708.
