Jackson County reports first positive case of COVID-19

State Reps. Julie Alexander and Sarah Lightner today said they have been in constant communication with state and local health officials about the spread of coronavirus in Michigan and remain so after the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 was identified in Jackson County last night.

The positive case is a 60-year-old female with travel history, according to the Jackson County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The woman is being asked to identify close contacts and other lower-risk contacts, so they can be notified and receive further instruction regarding isolation and testing if needed.

“During this difficult time, it’s important for everyone in our community to come together and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Lightner, of Springport. “We must all listen to the experts, heed their warnings, continue to practice good hygiene, and take this public health crisis seriously.”

As a precaution, the Jackson County Health Department is asking anyone with the following symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days and avoid potentially exposing others. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Anyone with these symptoms who has also traveled, or who has been exposed to someone with travel history, should call the Henry Ford Allegiance Health My Health Care line at (313) 874-7500 for screening and to schedule an appointment. Anyone arriving at the testing location without an appointment will be turned away, according to the health department.

“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of people in our community,” said Alexander, of Hanover. “I want to assure our friends, families and neighbors throughout Jackson County that we are doing everything we can to make sure our local officials, school leaders and local businesses have the resources they need to respond to this health crisis.”

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Prevention steps include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.

Reliable information about COVID-19 can be found at www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus, www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus or www.co.jackson.mi.us/276/Health-Department.