As the days pass, so does Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of March 19, there are about 10,442 cases and 150 deaths reported in the United States with numbers on the rise.
Michigan now has 53 confirmed cases of COVID-19, five being in Kent County.
“We are taking every step we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep Michiganders safe,” stated Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a press release. “I have declared a state of emergency to harness all of our resources across state government to slow the spread of the virus and protect families. It’s crucial that all Michiganders continue to take preventative measures to lower their risk, and to share this information with their friends, family, and co-workers.”
Both of the cases are currently being closely watched by health officials. Any close contacts to those who are currently affected by the disease are being checked for symptoms.
“We are taking the identification of COVID-19 in our state very seriously,” stated Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We continue to urge Michiganders to take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus in our state.”
Symptoms may appear up to two weeks after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Countries including China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea are all facing level 3 travel health notices. Foreign travelers from China or Iran, within the past two weeks, will not be granted access to enter the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers attempting to enter from these two countries who are American citizens, will be directed to designated airports for screening.
However, some students coming back from their study abroad trips early aren’t encountering these roadblocks at airports.
Becca Stellas, a West Michigan student studying at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana, had to leave her study abroad program in Rome early due to the virus.
“We got emails from the CDC and our school, but on the day that I went through security and everything there were literally no type of screening or information about the virus at all,” said Stellas. “We called Kent County’s health department to be sure though when I got home.”
Stellas said she will resume her classes remotely online.
Many colleges are also cancelling face-to-face instruction. Classes are being switched to online or cancelled all together. GRCC announced that starting March 16 through April 3, the school will be switching to online education.
One Hope College student was quarantined after exhibiting symptoms, but has since been cleared of COVID-19. Hope announced Wednesday that they will be cancelling face-to-face instruction.
Officials are urging people to do what they can to help stop the spread. The main things people can do is wash their hands and keep dirty hands away from their face, stay away from people who are sick, and stay home when feeling ill.
Editor’s Note: Updated March 19 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Updated March 17 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Updated March 16 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Updated March 15 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Updated at 10:15 p.m. on March 12 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and include new information regarding Hope College.
Updated March 12 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Updated March 11 to reflect the latest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and to include new information regarding GRCC’s plan.
