4/15/2020 Update: On April 14, 2020, the Bay County Board of Commissioners voted to extend the countywide local state of emergency to May 12, 2020.
4/17/2020 Update: It has come to our attention that there are questions on what the Local State of Emergency means for Bay County. It is NOT an extension of the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order.
During the last Board of Commissioners meeting, Bay County extended the Local State of Emergency until May 12th. This extension of this declaration is a mechanism for County government to access emergency funding and expedite the process to receive resources from the State and Federal Government.
We want to ensure it is understood that this is not an extension of the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. The local state of emergency does not affect businesses or citizens in any way.
County Executive Jim Barcia Declares Local State of Emergency for Bay County
Bay County, Michigan - At a press conference held earlier today, County Executive Jim Barcia declared a Local State of Emergency for Bay County.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, the first two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were detected in the State of Michigan. On Friday, March 13, 2020 the first case was detected in Bay County. As of today, March 17, 2020 there are 54 confirmed cases in the state with more expected. “All K-12 schools have been ordered closed by the governor, most colleges and universities have suspended face-to-face instruction, public gatherings have been limited, bars and restaurants have been ordered to stop congregate meals, and retail establishments are facing shortages of essential supplies.”Said County Executive Jim Barica.“In the coming days, we expect additional facility closures, more limited public gatherings, employee absences to attend to illness and/or family matters, and continued supply shortages.”
The local state of emergency will remain in effect until April 14, 2020 but may be extended by the Bay County Board of Commissioners.
In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, please follow these recommendations from the Center of Disease Control:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid handshakes.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME.
For the latest and most accurate information regarding the COVID-19 please go to the Bay County Health Department website at www.baycounty-mi.gov/Health and the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.
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Attachments
Press Conference Regarding Bay County's COVID-19 Response