BY LARRY SOBCZAK
EDITOR
Macomb County health and school officials released statements about COVID-19, a novel or new form of the coronavirus discovered in China last year and appears to be spreading across the globe.
Macomb County Health Department Director and Health Officer William Ridella said he 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.
He said there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Macomb County.
“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. 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.”
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection with symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Health officials say that most patients experience mild symptoms but people with existing health risks are more apt to experience more severe symptoms.
Scientists that discovered the new strain of coronavirus that became known as COVID-19 became concerned when it appeared to be more contagious and have a higher mortality rate than prior forms of the virus.
Ridella said as a precaution of a local outbreak the health department is involved in the following activities:
Developing educational materials and information for prevention efforts, including ongoing updates to the health department website at health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-DC-Coronavirus. Additional information can also be accessed at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and www.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 MDHHS and other local health departments to ensure an ongoing exchange of information.
Daily monitoring of travelers who meet CDC risk criteria and enhanced communicable disease surveillance protocols.
Handling inbound phone calls and emails from Macomb County citizens, schools and businesses with questions relating to COVID-19.
Ridella said the health department has assembled a cross-departmental leadership and response team to coordinate prevention and mitigation activities.
Macomb County school superintendents met last week with the health department to discuss COVID-19.
“As always, our schools work closely with public health officials and follow all of their expert recommendations to best ensure the safety of everyone in our school community,” said Romeo Community Schools Superintendent Todd Robinson in statement after the meeting. “In the meantime, be assured that our custodial company is initiating their own readiness activities and we are prepared to intensify cleaning practices throughout our buildings and will follow all directions provided by public health to prevent and limit the virus.”
Robinson said the superintendents at the meeting were told by public health officials that the way COVID-19 is spread is very similar to the flu and common colds.
“For this reason, we are encouraging our students and staff to actively wash their hands and take all of the same precautions they would normally take to avoid these illnesses,” he said.
Robinson said that there are no plans to close schools at this point will promptly inform the public if conditions change.
“We have open and effective lines of communication with our public health officials and will alert students, staff and parents if we receive direction related to COVID-19. Any potential school closing due to illness will be guided by public health officials. While education is important, the health and well-being of our students and staff are far more significant.”
Armada Area Schools Superintendent Michael Musary’s message echoes both Ridella and Robinson.
“Here at Armada Area Schools, we have been monitoring these reports and following the guidance of the Macomb County Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” he said. “We will continue to work with health officials to closely monitor the situation in our state and our local community. And, if necessary, we will adjust our procedures and our plans to protect the health and well-being of our students and our families.”
