First Positive COVID-19 Case in Hillsdale County
Tuesday March 24, 2020
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has been notified of the first positive test result for COVID-19 in an adult male from Hillsdale County.
The individual has been self-isolating. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJCHA) will contact people who have been in close contact with the patient, and will assess for symptoms and quarantine and monitor appropriately. “Residents in Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph counties can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and following Governor Whitmer’s 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' executive order," states Rebecca Burns, Health Officer. “Whether sick or well, staying home and using social distancing along with practicing good handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces are the best strategies for everyone to practice at this time.”
BHSJCHA is asking anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others. And for individuals that have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor themselves for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should:
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Wash their hands
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Stay home when sick
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Avoid close contact with sick people
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Avoid touching their face
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Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
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Avoid shaking hands
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Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing
For social distancing, we recommend the following:
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Keep six feet between yourself and others when possible
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Avoid public places at their busiest times
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Work from home when possible
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Cancel gatherings of more than 50 people as required by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order. However, it is recommended gatherings not exceed 10 people
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Limit travel
People who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider and call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility. Mildly ill people are encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. Testing is determined based on risk assessment.
Information about the COVID-19 situation locally, and in Michigan is rapidly changing.
More information