From the State Emergency Operations Center: Governor Whitmer to Give Update on State's Response to COVID-19 Monday.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update regarding the state’s response efforts to COVID-19.    

WHO:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer 

            MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun    

WHAT: COVID-19 Update  

WHEN: Monday, March 30th at approximately 10:15 AM    

Restricted Activities In Ypsilanti Parks Due To COVID-19 Crisis.

By Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Driving or walking past parks and playgrounds in Ypsilanti will bring you face to face with some of the social distancing effects of the COVID-19 virus. As of Friday, March 27, playground activities have been significantly restricted in Ypsilanti in order to ensure safe social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan has become one of the nation's major hot spots with 3,657 COVID-19 cased and 92 deaths due to the virus.

According to city officials, the social distancing measures in parks/playgrounds will last until at least April 13.

In Ypsilanti all playgrounds and athletic fields are currently closed off.


Photos Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Parola Perspective: By PWP Contributor Brooks Parola: We Have One Party, the Democrats, That Believe that Govt Should Take Care of It's Citizens.

Contributed to Purple Walrus Press by Brooks Parola.

Folks, what should be abundantly clear, as we watch the differences in how Democratic Party governors deal with this crisis vs. the GOP dominated federal government, is that we have one party, the Democrats, that believe that government can and should take care of it’s citizens. As a result, we see Democratic governors taking their jobs as public servants seriously and being far more proactive in dealing with this crisis.

And because the Republican Party has done nothing in my lifetime but attack the government, has cynically convinced millions that government cannot help you, and that you therefore shouldn’t depend on it to do so, while at every turn, pairing down the size of government; are we really surprised that we have a GOP dominated federal government that is completely inept and incapable of helping us?

So please don’t tell me both parties are the same. They’ve never been more different, and the evidence of that has never been more clear. There is a fundamental difference in what these two parties believe government should do. And frankly, this is what you get when you believe government cannot and should not help it’s citizens, and when you put in power a political party bound and determined to make sure that that happens.

Michigan Attorney General Nessel Provides Guidance On Executive Orders Violations.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

After the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection intake lines were flooded with phone calls related to violations of the state’s new rules implemented as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is providing guidance on how to file complaints about individuals and businesses that aren’t complying with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders.  

According to Nessel, “These are unprecedented times and my office is working with Gov. Whitmer’s office, local law enforcement agencies and other parties to ensure these executive orders are being followed,” Nessel said. “The orders are in place to protect the public health and welfare of Michigan’s residents, and consequences will result to those found to be in willful violation. By working together through this public health emergency and staying home, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state.” 

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection intake team will continue to receive consumer reports of price-gouging and scams. Those can be made online or by calling the office’s tip line at 877-765-8388. 

For other violations of the Governor’s executive orders, please contact the law enforcement agency where you reside. This according to Wednesday's press release.

According to Attorney General Nessel, anyone seeking interpretation of an executive order should first review those orders and the Frequently Asked Questions listed on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19. Weblinks to those pages and additional information can also be found through the Attorney General’s website. 

If an answer is not found, requests for an interpretation of an executive order can be emailed. Responses to those inquiries will likely be a delayed as the Attorney General’s office discusses them with the Governor’s Office for a final determination. 

According to Nessel, “This situation is fluid and rapidly changing, and we appreciate your patience,” Nessel said. “We’re all in this together and we are counting on every resident to do everything they can to stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.”  

According to WXYZ News Detroit, Michigan Gov. Whitmer to Announce Stay-at-Home Order Monday.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to 7 Action News Detroit, Michigan Gov. Whitmer will be announcing a stay-at-home order during a press conference she is holding this morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. This according to a source who shared this information with WXYZ News.

According to sources, there will be certain exceptions, which include grocery stores and pharmacies.

Stay tuned for updates.

From State Emergency Operations Center: Governor Whitmer Will Give Update on State Response To COVID-19 Friday.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update on the state’s response to COVID-19.

WHO:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun

WHAT: COVID-19 Update  

WHEN: Friday, March 20 at approximately 4:30 p.m.

MDHHS Has Announced Additional Test Results: 336 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 In Michigan.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the State Emergency Operations Center, the count of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today includes results from commercial and clinical labs who recently began providing COVID-19 testing. These results increased the state’s positive case count to a total of 336. 

“We are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide testing results from hospitals and other entities outside of our state laboratory,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We knew there were additional people in Michigan with COVID-19 that had not yet been tested. This emphasizes the need to continue to practice social distancing and other community mitigation practices to help slow the spread of this disease.” This according to Thursday's press release.

MDHHS is currently receiving reports from commercial labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics and several clinical labs including Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the Beaumont Hospital Network, Henry Ford Health System and the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL), according to MDHHS.

The addition of cases reported from these new labs have increased the state totals:

	Positive cases 3/18 12 AM - 11:59 PM	Cumulative positive cases as of 3/18 11:59 PM
MDHHS BOL	51	131
Hospital/university*	90	203
Commercial	1	2
Total	142	336

The addition of these reports will allow for the reporting of the following statistics:

• COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours
• Cumulative cases reported during the outbreak
• Number of tests performed in last 24 hours by labs in Michigan (individuals may have more than one test result)
• Cumulative tests performed (individuals may have more than one test result)
• Daily counts of cases and deaths by county
• Cumulative cases and deaths by county
• Percent of cumulative cases by age range (in 10-year increments)
• Percent of cumulative cases by sex

Testing data will be posted daily around 2 p.m. Results will be from the day before at midnight.

Michiganders with questions about COVID-19 can get information in several ways.  

• Call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Email COVID19@michigan.gov. Emails are answered seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 e-newsletter at gov/coronavirus The above information is according to MDHHS.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  

Governer Whitmer to Give Update on the State's Response to COVID-19 Wednesday at 4 PM.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update on the state’s response to COVID-19.

WHO:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer            MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun

WHAT: COVID-19 Update

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18^th at approximately 4:00 PM

Free Lunch Pick Up Begins At Area Schools in Ann Arbor Amid COVID-19 Pandemic.

Free meal distribution Scarlett Middle School in Ann Arbor Monday. Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

As Ann Arbor Public Schools, and all schools across the state of Michigan have closed due to COVID-19, Ann Arbor Public Schools now have free to go meal distribution locations to provide meals for children 18 and younger.

Monday morning a steady stream of cars pulled into the parking lot of Scarlett Elementary in Ann Arbor to receive free meals for children. Principals from three Ann Arbor elementary schools cheerily distributed bags of meals into vehicles that were patiently lined up in the Scarlett parking lot.

Pick up will be available on the following dates from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

• Monday, March 16
• Tuesday, March 17 (for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday meals)
• Friday, March 20 (for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday meals)
• Tuesday, March 24 (for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday meals)
• Friday, March 27 (for Friday, Saturday, Sunday meals)
• Tuesday, March 31 (for Tuesday and Wednesday meals)
• Thursday, April 2 (for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday meals)

Meals can be picked up at the following locations:

• Peace Neighborhood Center - Peace Maple Meadows Satellite- West Ann Arbor Satellite - 1111 N. Maple Road
• The Pinelake Village Coop - outside the clubhouse - 2680 Adrienne Dr.
• Lakestone Apartments - outside the clubhouse 4275 Eyrie Dr.
• Scio Farms - outside the clubhouse- 6655 Jackson Road
• Orchard Grove - outside the clubhouse0 2835 S. Wagner
• Carpenter Elementary - Outside the school 4250 Central Blvd.
• Scarlett Middle School - Outside the school 3300 Lorraine

Community Action Network (CAN) sites:

• Arrowwood Hills Community Center - 2566 Arrowwood Trail
• Bryant Community Center - 3 W. Eden CT.
• Green Baxter Court Community Center - 1737 Green Rd.
• Hikone Community Center - 2724 Hikone Dr

Photos Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services Announced 20 Additional Positive Cases of COVID-19.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced late Sunday night 20 additional positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This brings the state total of COVID-19 cases to 53.

 The cases include:

• Washtenaw County, three adult males, all with a history of international travel.
• Detroit, adult female with unknown travel history.
• Oakland County, adult female with contact with a person with COVID-19.
• Detroit, adult female with contact with a person with COVID-19.
• Macomb County, adult female with unknown travel history.
• Oakland County, male child with contact with a person with COVID-19
• Kent County, adult male with unknown travel history and unknown contact history.
• Oakland County, adult male with unknown travel and contact history.
• Wayne County, adult male with unknown travel and contact history.
• Ottawa County, adult female with unknown travel and contact history.
• St. Clair County, adult female with contact with a person with COVID-19.
• Macomb County, two adult males with no travel or contact reported.
• Wayne County, adult male with no travel or contact reported.
• Oakland County, adult male with international travel history.
• Oakland County, adult male with no history of travel or contacts.
• Detroit, adult female with no history of travel or contacts.
• Kent County, adult male with history of domestic travel.

COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

 They include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.This is a rapidly evolving situation

The Washtenaw County Health Dept Has Ordered Bars and Restaurants to Reduce Crowding Due to Coronavirus.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a Sunday night press release from the Washtenaw County Health Dept, The Washtenaw County Health Officer has issued an emergency order to reduce the number of people crowding into local bars, restaurants or entertainment venues. According to the statement from the Health Dept, Venues must cut their maximum occupancy by half starting Monday, March 16, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. and continuing through April 5, 2020. Under the Michigan Public Health Code, MCL 333.2453, the Health Officer has the authority to take action to protect the public’s health and prevent the spread of disease.

“This action is not taken lightly,” said Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County Health Officer. “To slow the impact of COVID-19 in our community and protect everyone’s health, we must take our commitment to prevention seriously. Social distancing is essential now to prevent additional spread as much as possible.” 

As of this evening, March 15, Washtenaw County has 7 reported cases of COVID-19 and numerous tests pending, according to the Health Department.

The order is in effect from March 16 through April 5, or until updated. It applies to all county businesses with a food service license as well as entertainment venues and gyms. Healthcare facilities, long-term care and grocery stores are exempt. Additional, more stringent actions may also be considered as the situation changes.

Signage is provided and should be displayed.

Latest From the State Emergency Operations Center: 8 Additional COVID-19 Cases Announced In Michigan Saturday.

By Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the State of Michigan Emergency Operations Center, the Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services announced today (Saturday) that eight adults have tested presumptive positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). This brings the state total of COVID-19 cases to 33.

The cases include:

• Detroit, adult male with history of domestic travel and contact with someone with a confirmed case.
• Oakland County, adult male with history of domestic travel.
• Oakland County, adult male with unknown travel history.
• Oakland County, adult female with history of contact with someone with a confirmed case.
• Macomb County, adult male with no known travel history and no known contact with someone with a confirmed case.
• Monroe County, adult female with history of domestic travel.
• Wayne County, adult female with unknown travel history and no known contact with someone with a confirmed case.
• Washtenaw County, adult female with history of contact with someone with a confirmed case.

From The State Emergency Operations Center: Michigan Announces 9 Additional Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a Friday night press release from the State Emergency Operations Center, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today nine adults tested presumptive positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This brings the state total of COVID-19 cases to 25, according to the Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services.

According to MDHHS, The specimens will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation testing.

The cases include: 

• An adult male from Bay County with history domestic travel.
• An adult female from Charlevoix County with history of international travel.
• An adult female from Detroit with history of international travel.
• An adult male from Macomb County with history of international travel.
• Two adult females and an adult male from Oakland County, one with history of international travel two with unknown travel history.
• Two adult females from Wayne County, one with history of domestic and the other with no history of travel. 

COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. 

They include: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath 

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Updates will be posted to Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Washtenaw County Health Department Is Reporting Washtenaw County's First Two COVID-19 Cases.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Washtenaw County Health Department is reporting Washtenaw County’s first two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a Thursday night press release from the Washtenaw County Health Dept. Both individuals, one adult female and one adult male, were likely exposed through international and domestic travel respectively. One traveled through Europe and the other to New York. This according to the press release.

Washtenaw County Health Department has been working closely with the individuals to identify and contact anyone potentially exposed. Additional information and guidance will be announced as soon as possible at www.washtenaw.org/COVID19 and @wcpublichealth on social media, according to the statement.

The Health Department and all local officials are relying on our community to work together to slow the potential spread of illness and refer to official sources of reliable information.

"We continue to recommend prevention strategies to reduce the spread of germs and protect everyone’s health."

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 this virus. Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish. This according to the press release.

• Clean your hands often. Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash.
• 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 frequently-touched surfaces.

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.

 According to Thursday's statement from the Health Dept, Governor Whitmer announced community mitigation recommendations for individuals, facilities, schools, workplaces, community organizations, and other mass events on March 11. The Washtenaw County Health Department fully supports the Governor’s recommendations and encourages local individuals and entities to implement them or take additional steps, as is feasible. 

REMEMBER: Discrimination harms public health. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else.

Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board and maintains state accreditation though the Michigan

Department of Health and Human Services. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.

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