Macomb County Health Department Director William Ridella said people do not need to panic.

"The Macomb County Health Department is working closely with community partners, healthcare providers, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to actively monitor and respond to COVID-19," said Ridella, in a public health update released Monday afternoon.

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There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Macomb County or Michigan. One Macomb County resident was suspected of having it in late January but tests came back negative.

However, there could be.

"The Coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly evolving public health situation, and we'll continue to provide updated information as it becomes available," Ridella said. "We encourage residents, schools, businesses, municipalities and other organizations to take a proactive approach for the possibility of the virus spreading."

As with any possible emergency residents can practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick and covering coughs and sneezes to safeguard ourselves, our families and our communities, said Ridella.

In order to stay abreast of the situation Macomb County Health Department has been involved with several activities for COVID-19 prevention, education, and surveillance.

These steps have included:

• Developing educational materials and information for prevention efforts, including ongoing updates to the Health Department website. These can be accessed at health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-DC-Coronavirus. The public will also find additional information at michigan.gov/coronavirus and cdc.gov/coronavirus/

• Providing information to community partners including schools, healthcare providers, and businesses about what they can do to help prevent the spread of illness and prepare for potential cases of COVID-19.

• Collaborating with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other local health departments to ensure an ongoing exchange of information

• Handling inbound phone calls and emails from Macomb County citizens, schools, and businesses with questions relating to COVID-19.

• Daily monitoring of travelers who meet Center for Disease Control risk criteria and enhanced communicable disease surveillance protocols.

The public should also know the Health Department has assembled a cross-departmental leadership and response team to coordinate prevention and mitigation activities.

Ridella said what's important for the community is to follow the prevention recommendations and have an emergency plan. Just as you would for other emergencies be it a power outage or a disease outbreak, in case you have to be home.

To help residents be prepared the Macomb County Health Department recommends the following prevention and emergency preparedness tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands.

• Staying home when sick except to get medical care.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid sharing cups, drinking bottles, utensils and eating food from the same dish.

• Clean and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

• If anyone believes they have symptoms and have recently traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, or other destinations with risk of community spread, or have been in contact with someone who has had the virus, they should promptly call their healthcare provider or hospital prior to arriving so that the appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.

Being prepared

• Maintain a two-week supply of water and food at home, and routinely check your regular prescription drugs to ensure that you won't run out.

• Keep non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand.

• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records.

• Talk with family members about how they would be cared for if they got sick and what would be needed to care for them in your home.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the website or call the Health Department at 586-469-5235.

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