First Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Michigan

The first two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced at a late-night press conference Tuesday night.

A female Oakland County resident with a recent history of international travel and a male Wayne County resident with a recent history of domestic travel both tested positive for the disease, state lab results showed Tuesday evening. The tests have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. Both residents are middle-aged and have been hospitalized. Officials from both Wayne and Oakland counties said they were investigating to identify any individuals who may have come in contact with the patients.

Whitmer has declared a state of emergency in Michigan in order to maximize the state's efforts to combat COVID-19. "The main goal of these efforts is to slow the spread of the virus, not to stop it," she said. "It has moved into Michigan, and I urge all Michiganders to take (CDC health) recommendations very seriously and to share this information with their friends and family and co-workers."

Whitmer said she has established four task forces to help combat the spread of coronavirus. The task forces are focused on education, health and human services, the economy and workforce, and state operations. "The coronavirus has the potential to impact our lives in nearly every aspect of our lives," Whitmer said. "So these task forces will help us slow the spread in those particular areas."

Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said it is "very likely we will see more cases (in Michigan) and that there will be community spread." She added that all businesses, employers, hospitals, schools, and universities "should be making plans and appropriately preparing for this disease." Khaldun said that individuals who are elderly or who have chronic medical conditions should consider postponing any long travel or plane rides and staying away from crowds, calling the disease's spread in the state "a rapidly evolving situation." 

Whitmer offered a word of encouragement to residents. "We're Michiganders. We're tough. We know how to take care of each other. We will get through this," she said. "But for now, please make sure your families and friends are taking every preventative measure available to keep yourselves safe."

The state has launched a website to keep residents apprised of coronavirus updates and best practices for preventing the spread of the disease at Michigan.Gov/Coronavirus.