GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County health leaders say hospitals and doctors are being “overwhelmed” by people concerned they have coronavirus COVID-19 and they ask people to call first for a screening.

Kent County Administrative Health Officer Adam London spoke Friday, March 13, about the growing burden on health care providers as they try to address the concerns.

“We need to be very mindful about protecting our health care facilities,” London said. “Right now, our hospitals and doctors offices are absolutely being overwhelmed by people concerned they have COVID-19.”

Related: State hotline created to take coronavirus questions

“We need to make sure we’re first calling our doctors, our emergency rooms and not just showing up and expecting a test. That’s not helpful and it’s exhausting a very limited supply of testing resources," he said.

London said simply showing up also puts health care workers at risk to being exposed to illnesses such as the flu and the common cold, let alone COVID-19.

Many hospitals are offering virtual screenings for COVID-19 symptoms over the phone or through virtual online chats.

So far in Michigan, as of late Friday, March 13, the total number of presumptive positive cases of coronavirus COVID-19 cases is at 25.

London said another impact of the COVID-19 concern is a shortage in the blood supply now beginning to show up.

The issue, he believes, is that donors may be focusing on ways to prepare themselves for coronavirus and forgetting about other needs. Others may be concerned about going into places where people are gathered, such as blood donation centers.

To help, the Kent County Health Department is hosting a March 16 blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the health department, 700 Fuller Ave. NE.

To sign up, go to this link.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

More from MLive

76 coronavirus tests submitted so far in Kent, Ottawa and Kalamazoo counties

How Michigan churches are responding to coronavirus threat

‘We’re going to get through this,' says Gov. Whitmer as she orders K-12 schools closed over coronavirus