Three COVID-19 Cases Identified in Kalamazoo County

The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department (HCS) is reporting three positive cases for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The three adult cases are unrelated. Two have travel histories within the State of Michigan and one with no known travel history outside of Kalamazoo County. HCS’s communicable disease staff will be contacting people who have been in close contact with the patients. Those people will be assessed for symptoms and monitored appropriately.

HCS will provide an update regarding the current cases and the response efforts taking place in Kalamazoo County during a press conference:

WHO: Dr. William Nettleton, Medical Director; Jim Rutherford, Health Officer; Sheriff Rick Fuller

WHAT: COVID-19 Update

WHEN: Monday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department; 311 E. Alcott St., Room 361, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Social Media Live Streaming:  Facebook.com/KalamazooCountyHCS

HCS is not naming public exposure locations at this time. HCS urges all individuals to continue practicing social-distancing and following recommended prevention measures.

As a precaution, HCS is asking anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others. COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

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

• Wash their hands.
• Stay home when sick.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching their face.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing.

For social distancing, we recommend the following:

• Keep six feet between yourself and others when possible.
• Avoid public places at their busiest times.
• Work from home when possible.
• Cancel gatherings of more than 50 people as required by Michigan law. However, it is recommended gatherings not exceed 10 people.
• Limit travel.

People who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider and call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility. Mildly ill people are encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. Testing is determined based on risk assessment.

Information about the COVID-19 is rapidly changing. For general questions about COVID-19, call the state hotline at 1-888-535-6136 or the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department Hotline at 269-373-5200. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and https://www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19.php.

# # #