KALAMAZOO, MI — Coronavirus is spreading globally, and while there are no confirmed cases in Michigan as of March 2, officials in Kalamazoo are preparing in case it infects people here.

“While we need to be diligent and concerned about the coronavirus, it’s important we weigh what were telling to the community so we don’t create fear or panic,” Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Assistant Chief Jeff VanderWiere said during a presentation to the Kalamazoo City Commission on March 2.

That said, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and other agencies are preparing for the virus.

Protocols have been put in place so that when someone calls 911 and has symptoms such as respiratory distress or fever, they will be asked further screening questions, such as if they have been out of the country in the last two weeks or if they have been around others who were effected, VanderWiere said.

If any of them come back positive, that information is immediately relayed to first responders as they’re responding, and they will use additional protection protocols with that patient, he said.

Responders will also carry additional equipment including hand sanitizer, masks and protective gowns (for use on street to protect responders and to utilize on patients with a potential infection of the virus).

All personnel are going through protocols and precaution training due to the virus, VanderWiere said.

KDPS is also staying in communication with the Kalamazoo County Health Department and the office of emergency management.

Officials plan to start a communication campaign with citizens to develop consistent messaging related to the virus, he said.

In Michigan, as of March 2, there have been no positive tests for COVID-19, the coronavirus that began spreading in China before it was discovered at locations around the globe, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

While cautioning against creating fear or panic, VanderWiere said millions of people have suffered the flu virus. He gave that statistic and others about the flu virus to help put the current situation with coronavirus in perspective, he said.

He recommends officials stay in communication with the community and try not to create more fear or panic related to the virus.

Pride Care Ambulance Spokesman Robert Lohrberg said the company has talked with employees about the signs and symptoms of coronavirus to help them do their jobs. Much of the protocols in place to protect against coronavirus are similar to other ones already in practice for flu and other things, he said.

“It’s not a big change,” he said.

The company provides ambulance services in five counties, and all paramedics have received training on state-mandated protocols, he said.

“We’re hoping it won’t arrive but I’m sure it probably will,” he said. “We’re prepared for the worst case scenario and hoping for the best.”