Novel Coronavirus Update

 

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Coronavirus Response Update
 
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with local and state health officials as we monitor the ever changing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Residents can stay informed by visiting www.washtenaw.org/COVID19.


 
Residents can expect that the WCSO will maintain a consistent level of quality service with a few additional precautions. Should you contact dispatch or come into contact with a deputy they will be asking you three additional questions. These questions assist us in screening for potentially infected individuals.
 
1. Do you have a new cough or flu like symptoms?
2. Do you have a fever?
3. Have you been around or come into contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19?
 
Stigma will not fight Coronavirus, but sharing accurate information will. You can do your part to help keep our first responders safe and prevent the spread of Coronavirus by truthfully answering these three simple questions.
 
In an effort to help desiminate the most up-to-date and factual information we are including the most recent Coronavirus update from the Washtenaw County Health Department.
 
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 11, 2020 at 11:30 am: No cases have been confirmed in a Washtenaw County individual, but two cases are now confirmed in Michigan – one each in Wayne and Oakland counties. Both cases are hospitalized. Testing is ongoing: 15 individuals have tested negative in Washtenaw, and 57 in Michigan as of today. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided at www.washtenaw.org/COVID19.
 
The Health Department continues to recommend prevention strategies. Handwashing is critically important to reduce the spread of illness, as is staying away from others when sick and maintaining “social distancing.” Whenever possible in community settings or meetings, practice maintaining extra distance between people, up to 6 feet. We are not yet recommending widespread closures or cancellations. To date, there is no confirmation of a local case or possible community exposures in Washtenaw County. When or if this changes, the Health Department will issue additional recommendations or orders.
 
The situation locally may change quickly. The Health Department and your local Washtenaw County Officials are relying on our community to work together to slow the potential spread of illness and refer to official sources of reliable information.
 
Response Actions
Washtenaw County Health Department is working with health care providers to test individuals as needed. Individuals with concerns or symptoms should call their health care provider first with questions. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Remember that these symptoms may also be caused by other viruses, such as flu. Additionally, an individual without symptoms is very unlikely to test positive, even with possible exposure.
 
The Health Department continues to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials, as well as institutions, schools, and community organizations, to be ready for additional actions and communications should we have local cases.
 
The Health Department has expanded its phone lines. Callers may dial 734-544-6700 to hear a recorded update and to have the option to speak to a staff member or leave a message. Current hours are weekdays 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Updates are also available at www.washtenaw.org/COVID19.
 
We know this possibility of local cases may cause concern, and we are working to share timely, accurate information without causing unnecessary alarm.
 
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Information from Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

  • Clean your hands often
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay Home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider. Learn what to do if you are sick. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. 
    • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
    • A list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease) is available from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This list includes many commonly used products.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
    • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. View additional prevention steps from CDC for people at higher risk. Consult with your health care provider for more steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

REMEMBER:
Discrimination harms public health. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else.
 
Updates
This situation may change quickly. Refer to these sites for current information:
☑ Washtenaw updates: www.washtenaw.org/COVID19
☑ Michigan updates: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
☑ National updates: http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19 
 
Fact Sheets from Washtenaw County Health Department  
Information in Multiple Languages  
Guidance Information for:  
Information current as of March 11, 2020