Beaumont Health has set up a hot line for people who believe they might have COVID-19 symptoms, and has put in place tighter visitor restrictions at its hospitals in response to the national outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Beaumont nurses will staff the hotline and offer virtual screenings for people who are experiencing symptoms.

The call line number is — 248-551-7000 — and it will be staffed 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The nurses will answer questions about the virus and direct patients to the appropriate level of care, whether that's treating symptoms at home, following up with a primary doctor, or seeking treatment at an urgent care or an emergency center.

In addition, Beaumont Health is putting in place tighter visitor restrictions at all eight of its hospitals to limit spread of the virus:

No visitors will be allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, except under extreme circumstances.

Anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances.

Most patients will be allowed two visitors who must remain in the hospital room for the duration of the visit.

All visitors will be required to be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness: fever, runny nose, cough and shortness of breath, prior to entering one of our hospitals. Individuals with these symptoms will not be permitted to visit patients.

After a visit is complete, visitors must leave the hospital and cannot remain in waiting areas, public areas or cafeterias.

Patients with COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing should call ahead to the hotline before being examined by a physician to help health reduce the likelihood of others getting exposed.

"We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we take steps to help keep people healthy and stop the spread of the disease," said Dr. Nick Gilpin, Beaumont’s medical director of infectious disease and epidemiology. "Beaumont is prepared to care for patients diagnosed with the virus. We are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines and regularly communicating with county and state health officials."

The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Michigan Tuesday after two people in the state were diagnosed with the virus.

The disease, which causes fever, cough and difficulty breathing, can be mild, but it can also cause severe illness and even death. Initial studies suggest COVID-19 is more deadly than influenza.

Globally, 3.4% of people with COVID-19 have died, said the World Health Organization’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a March 3 news briefing. However, some health officials have said that estimate could be inflated because many people who've had COVID-19 had mild symptoms and might not have been tested.

By comparison, the flu kills about 0.1% of people who contract it, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

In addition to the higher fatality rate, there is no treatment or vaccine available yet for COVID-19. Comparatively, people can get the flu vaccine, and if they are infected with influenza, they can be prescribed an anti-viral medication to limit its severity.

While most people who contract COVID-19 have mild symptoms, 1 in 6 people who have the virus develop serious illness, and have difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Those most at risk are older people and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, suppressed immune systems and lung conditions.

The most vulnerable people in this outbreak — people who are older than 60 and people with chronic underlying health conditions such as lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, immune system disorders and cancer — should consider staying home as much as possible.

Whitmer and public health officials are urging Michiganders to avoid large crowds, cancel any public event that might include 100 or more people, and encouraged people to practice social distancing and hygiene measures to slow the spread of the virus, such as:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Using a tissue or our sleeve to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Avoiding touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs, railings, counter tops, remote controls, cabinet handles and light switches

Staying home if you are sick.

Practicing social distancing, keeping at six feet between yourself and someone who is coughing or sneezing.

Kristen Jordan Shamus covers health for the Detroit Free Press and the USA Today Networ. Contact her by calling 313-222-5997 or kshamus@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kristenshamus.