Two people in northern Michigan have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
One was tested at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and the other was tested at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, according to Munson Healthcare.
Munson says they both exhibited mild symptoms. The hospitals and the local health departments are monitoring the patients and “determining patient contact in an effort to reduce possible spread.”
The hospital system says both facilities followed safety precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. A representative says it will notify and follow up with staff who interacted with the two patients.
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan says the person tested at Otsego Memorial is a male resident of the county who was likely exposed through international travel.
He is now isolated at a residence, the department says.
“We are relying on everyone in our community to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 through prevention measures,” Dr. Josh Meyerson, medical director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, said in the press release.
The health department is trying to find out who he’s been in contact with since his trip abroad.
In a press release, Munson says, “now more than ever it is imperative for the public to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene to help prevent further spread.”
People with questions about the disease can reach out to the state hotline 1-888-535-6136, which is staffed seven days a week 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
IPR News will update this story as more information becomes available.
