Lenawee County’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to five as of the 2 p.m. daily posting of state cases Thursday, March 26. As of that point, there had been no deaths in Lenawee County, according to Michigan.gov.

The state of Michigan was reporting 2856 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 60 deaths. Of those 60 deaths, 15 had occurred in Oakland County which had 668 confirmed cases; 15 in the City of Detroit, which had 851 confirmed cases; 11 in Wayne County which had 538 confirmed cases; and 11 in Macomb County which had 347 confirmed cases.

Surrounding Lenawee County there were 82 confirmed cases in Washtenaw County which has had three deaths as of 2 p.m Thursday; with five confirmed cases in Hillsdale County and 21 in Monroe County, neither of which had reported any deaths.

According to figures from the Lenawee County Health Department website, there have been 28 negative tests and 26 tests for coronavirus are pending.

State of Michigan Press Release March 26, 2020

To maximize Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) sampling and testing capacity and ensure timely reporting of critical resources and needs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon today issued an emergency order establishing procedures to be followed during the pandemic to ensure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws. This order is effective immediately.

“To save lives, we need to do two things: dedicate our limited lab capacity to the highest priority tests and obtain consistent, timely reports on hospital beds and PPE,” said Gordon. “This order aims to accomplish those goals.”

“This is another step the state is taking toward saving lives during this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “The ultimate goal is to slow the spread of the virus so our health care system doesn’t get overwhelmed and we prevent as much illness as possible.”

Pursuant to MCL 333.2253, Gordon ordered that:

1. Facilities in the state of Michigan processing tests for COVID-19 must prioritize sampling and testing for COVID-19 as instructed by MDHHS. This currently includes specimens associated with active investigations of known contacts, individuals with concerning exposure histories and risk profiles and specimens obtained during cluster investigations.

• All laboratory tests conducted for COVID-19 must be reported to MDHHS via the Michigan Disease Surveillance System within four hours of completion of the test, whether negative or positive.
• Health facilities must contact the local health officer to inform them of a COVID-19-related death within two hours of the death.

1. Physicians and other health professionals who collect specimens for testing of COVID-19 must label specimens in the manner instructed by the MDHHS. This includes patient name, date of birth, specimen source, collection date, etc.
    
2. Hospitals in the state of Michigan must abide by MDHHS’ instructions on reporting of information related to the COVID-19 response. This includes reporting the following data:

• Frequency of updates to bed capacity.
• Personal protective equipment inventory.
• Laboratory testing capacity.
• Number of ventilated patients.
• Number of ventilators.
• Patient census.
• Staffing shortages.
• Units or areas dedicated to COVID-19 treatment.
• Other data, which in the hospital’s judgment, may help to support response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From a Lenawee County mid-afternoon news release, March 25, 2020
ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Health Department has been notified of two additional positive COVID-19 cases in Lenawee County. Both cases are adult males. The Lenawee County Health Department will contact people who have been in close contact with the patients, and will assess for symptoms, quarantine, and monitor appropriately. This brings the known total as of afternoon March 25, 2020, to three in Lenawee County.

The first case, an adult female, was announced late in the afternoon Tuesday, March 24.

Currently, the total Michigan COVID-19 case count is 1,791. The news release states expectation that these numbers to increase as more testing takes place. To date, 45 Lenawee residents have been tested for COVID-19. There are 20 negative results, 3 positive results, and 22 results still pending, the release stated.

Based upon the increase in COVID-19 cases statewide, residents can now assume there is a possibility the virus may be present when they are in public places and should be taking all recommended prevention measures, according to a Lenawee County news release.
People who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. They will likely assess the patient over the phone to determine if testing is indicated. If testing is indicated, they will provide instructions to get tested. Those who do not have symptoms do not need to be tested, according to the news release.
“It is critical that residents abide by Governor (Gretchen) Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order that went into effect yesterday,” said Martha Hall, health officer of the Lenawee County Health Department. “This will help prevent additional spread and conserve critical healthcare resources. Your
actions make a difference. Please do your part.”
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should:
• Wash their hands with soap frequently
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Avoid touching their face
• Stay home when sick
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Only leave their home for essential services
• Keep six feet between themselves and others when they must leave home
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has established a statewide hotline for the public to ask health related questions at 1-888-535-6136 (operational 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week). Individuals can also email COVID19@michigan.gov 24/7. Emails are answered 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Individuals may also call the Lenawee County Health Department with questions at 517-264- 5226 option 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Information about the COVID-19 situation locally, and in Michigan is rapidly changing. For more information, visit www.lenaweehealthdepartment.org

LANSING – Due to the public health emergency that coronavirus has created, the in-person registration at Michigan Works! requirement is being waived at this time, according to a March 25, 2020, news release from the agency. This means that individuals who lose their jobs, or are laid off, do not need to visit a Michigan Works! office in order to receive unemployment benefits, per the announcement.

“There still seems to be confusion surrounding this requirement,” said Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “The top priority of Michigan Works! is the health and safety of our clients and the Michigan Works! staff. In order to ensure that health and safety during this very difficult and confusing time, it is important to not require in-person contact.”

In compliance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent “Stay Home – Stay Safe” executive order, Michigan Works! service centers are now closed to walk-in business. Despite this action, Michigan Works! is still providing services for clients virtually – either online or by telephone. If a client absolutely must see a Michigan Works! staffer in person, they can do that by calling their local Michigan Works! service center to make an appointment.

Unfortunately, the layoffs related to the coronavirus crisis have created a situation where the unemployment registration system is attempting to process a record number of individuals at the same time, making the system run at a slower pace, the release stated. Over 108,000 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Michigan last week compared to a normal average of around 5,000 per week, it said.

“Because the system is experiencing considerable delays at this time, we are encouraging clients to continue trying to register for unemployment and be as patient as possible with the process,” Dunsford said. “The Unemployment Insurance Agency is working hard to expand capacity to meet the increased needs.”

Unemployment claims can be filed online at Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017.

COVID-19 Exposure at Andrews University Concert  – Lenawee County news release

The Berrien County Health Department has identified the first two positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Berrien County.

The positive persons are both adult women under the age of 60; they have both been self-isolating at home for several days and they are in good condition. Both of these individuals had close personal contact with singer Sandi Patty when she performed a concert at Andrews University in Berrien Springs on March 8, 2020. Since the concert, Ms. Patty announced that she tested positive for COVID-19 March 17, 2020.

The Berrien County Health Department and Andrews University are communicating directly with the people who were in close contact with the individuals who have tested positive. All close contacts of the COVID-19 positive individuals will be asked to self-quarantine and will be assessed for symptoms and monitored appropriately.

There were individuals in attendance at this concert who reside outside of Berrien County and may not have been identified as close contacts, but may have had risk of exposure.

Any Lenawee County resident who was in attendance at this concert held on March 8, 2020, at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, is asked to immediately contact the Lenawee County Health Department at (517) 264-5226, option 5.

By MELISSA BURNOR

Advance Reporter

Lenawee County Commission Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Lenawee County, David Stimpson issued a Declaration of a Local State of Emergency for Lenawee County on March 23 following Governor Whitmer’s issuance of a shelter-in-place order.
Lenawee County Administrator Marty Marshall said no cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Lenawee County.
Testing has begun with 35 people being tested as of Tuesday at 1 p.m. Lenawee County Health Officer Martha Hall said 18 of the tests have come back negative. The remaining 17 tests have not been returned. Later today – Tuesday, March 23 – the Lenawee County Health Department confirmed the county had confirmed its first case of COVID-19.
Marshall, Stimson, Hall, Emergency Manager Craig Tanis, Sheriff Troy Bevier and Madison Township Fire Chief Craig Tanis were took part in a press conference with local media Tuesday afternoon in the Lenawee County Human Services Building.
Sheriff Troy Bevier and Madison Fire Chief Ryan Rank said first responders are answering all calls into 911.
“We may modify the way we answer some calls,” Bevier said of law enforcement. The 911 operators are screening calls and any report that can be taken over the telephone will be done that way. Rank also said 911 medical calls will be screened to let first responders know whether anyone is showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
“Symptoms can include a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath,” Hall said.
Hall said testing in Lenawee County is now being done through ProMedica. Tests can be sent to either the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or a commercial laboratory. Results are sent to the health department. Hall said only people that are exhibiting symptoms can be tested. Anyone concerned they have COVID-19 needs to contact their primary care physician who can assess whether they need testing or not. Anyone that does not have a primary care physician or insurance can contact the county health department or an Urgent Care facility, Hall said. She said people need to call ahead before going to the facility for testing or treatment.
Stimpson said the main reason behind declaring the State of Emergency was due to the continued demand on local resources that are already in short supply.
One of the biggest concerns are personal protection equipment utilized by first responders such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians and police officers.
Items such as N-95 Masks, surgical masks, non-latex disposable gloves, medical gowns, safety glasses, hand sanitizer, disinfectant (liquid and spray), liquid bleach and moisturizer/hand lotion are in short supply.
Any person or business that has equipment to offer can contact Karen at the donation line, being hosted by Community Mental Health, on behalf of the Emergency Operations center at 517-264-0105 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. If no one answers people can leave a message and their call will be returned.

Lenawee County news release, March 24, 2020

The Lenawee County Health Department (LCHD) has been notified of the first positive test result for COVID-19 in an adult female from Lenawee County. The individual has been self-isolating. The LCHD has contacted people who have been in close contact with the patient to assess for symptoms, provide quarantine instructions and will monitor appropriately.

It was not specified where the patient lived.

Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, should self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor themselves for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

“Residents in Lenawee County can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and following Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ executive order,” said Martha Hall, health officer of the Lenawee County Health Department. “Everyone must do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your actions today will affect not only your future, but the future of your friends and family.”

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, she said, people should:

*Wash their hands with soap frequently

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Avoid touching their face
• Stay home when sick
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Only leave your home for essential services
• Keep six feet between yourself and others when you must leave your home.
• People who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider and will likely be assessed by phone to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19. If testing is indicated, they will provide you with instructions to get tested. If you do not have symptoms, you do not need to be tested.

PROMEDICA HEALTH SYSTEMS UPDATE  – News release

ADRIAN, MI-ProMedica Health Systems will continue to take steps to keep the residents of Lenawee County updated on their local hospital.

The State of Michigan has launched a new hotline to answer health related questions seven days a week from 8 am to 5 pm by calling 1-888-535-6136 or by e-mailing COVID19@michigan.gov24/7. Staff cannot provide individual clinical advice through the hotline.

Following the CDC guidelines, all non-essential testing and non-essential ambulatory services will be limited to minimize the risk for our patients, staff, and the community. Ambulatory surgery will be limited to:

•  Emergencies-threat to patient life
•  Threat of permanent dysfunction
•  Risk of metastasis
•  Rapidly worsening symptoms Visitors in Hospitals/Healthcare Facilities

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order that restricts visitors in healthcare facilities, including hospitals. Effective immediately, all healthcare facilities and residential care facilities must prohibit any visitors, with the following exceptions:

•  Visitors necessary for the provision of medical care for a patient.
•  Visitors who support of activities of daily living for a patient.
•  Visitors who must exercise of power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for a patient.
•  Parents, foster parents or guardians of patients who are 21 years of age or under.
•  Visitors to a patient who is in serious or critical condition or in hospice care.
•  Those who are visiting under exigent circumstances.
•  Visitors performing official governmental functions

Information from a news release from Michigan Works! March 24, 2020

Effective Thursday, March 26, Michigan Works! Southeast will modify service delivery to all virtual services for Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw counties in response to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order “Stay Home, Stay Safe”.

“The number-one priority of Michigan Works! Southeast is the safety of our team members, customers, partners and the communities we serve,” Said Bill Sleight, director, Michigan Works! Southeast.

“As a result of COVID-19, we are rapidly changing the way in which we provide services to our customers.” Sleight said. “We understand this is a difficult period for job seekers, businesses and our employees, and we are still here for you through virtual service delivery.”

For updates relating to the way services are provided, please visit www.mwse.org/COVID-19 . To contact a team member, please call your local office.

Hillsdale: 517-437-3381, Jackson: 517-841-5627, Lenawee: 517-266-5627, Livingston: 517-546-7450, Washtenaw: 734-714-9814

Blissfield Village President Bob Valdez made the decision to cancel the March 23 council meeting.
"(The) governor has issued another executive order, so after discussion  with myself, Joe (Village Administrator Joe Frey) and Dale (Village Police Chief Dale Greenleaf) we decided to cancel," he said.

For further details, please see the March 25 edition of The Advance.