Bay County, Michigan

Bay County Building
515 Center Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5941

Third Bay County Individual Tests Positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Bay County, Michigan – Testing through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has identified one additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Bay County resulting in three total cases in the county. The new case involves an adult male. The patient is currently hospitalized at a local health care facility.

The Bay County Health Department (BCHD) is identifying and contacting the close contacts of this individual, assessing for risk and determining management of those exposed.

COVID-19 causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe pneumonia. Studies of the virus suggest that more than 80% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 encounter mild symptoms and recover quickly. However, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are older individuals (>60 years old) and those with other medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes. This is especially important as Bay County has the highest percentage of persons over the age of 60 (26%) in the state of Michigan.

Earlier this morning, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-21 which directs all Michigan business and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order becomes effective at 12:01 on March 24, 2020. The Bay County Health Department strongly encourages Bay County residents to adhere to the Stay Home, Stay Sage Executive Order.

In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, please follow these recommendations from the Center of Disease Control:

  1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  4. Avoid handshakes.
  5. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  7. 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.

###

Attachments