GRAND RAPIDS -- The Kent County Health Department and three Grand Rapids-area health systems are implementing “healthy visitor restrictions” as part of their coordinated preparations for potential coronavirus cases.

Metro Health-University of Michigan, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health announced they are working together with the Kent County Health Department, along with state and federal agencies, to prepare for the possibility that cases of COVID-19 could happen in West Michigan.

All three Grand Rapids-area health systems are encouraging people to stay home when they are sick and not visit a hospital unless they are healthy.

This is similar to flu-related restrictions that the organizations put into effect in January, said Steve Kelso, marketing and communications manager for Kent County Health Department.

“We still are, by the way, in the middle of the flu season,” he said. The restrictions are a way to make sure that sick people are not spreading respiratory or flu viruses or, now, the COVID-19 virus.

The flu season has been getting “short shrift” Kelso said, especially given that it has been an especially active flu season.

“Don’t bring your bugs into the hospital if you can,” he said. “If you were to average the previous four years together, you’d find that this year is more active than those as well. We’ve got a very major flu.”

Kelso said it’s important that all types of sick people -- flu, respiratory, and otherwise -- do what they can to contain the spread of diseases so people can stay out of the hospital in case COVID-19 becomes an issue in Michigan.

“Anything we can do to keep those numbers down, because honestly, if this ramps up, we’re going to need space,” he said.

As of Monday, March 9, no positive tests for coronavirus have been reported in Michigan.

The Kent County Health Department operates one main clinic and three satellite clinics in Kentwood, Rockford and Grand Rapids.

All the organizations stress that staying home when you are sick and washing your hands often are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

People have been advised to look out for mild or severe symptoms of coronavirus, including fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Spectrum Health has started to offer “virtual” health screenings for Michigan residents who have symptoms of COVID-19. The screenings are free and people who have symptoms can call the hotline at 616-391-2380 for a screening.

Several states have reported coronavirus cases.

In Michigan, colleges have been cancelling their study abroad trips or issuing travel restrictions. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also created four task forces related to the disease.

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