With COVID-19 and its cause, the novel coronavirus, sweeping the globe, its eventual appearance in Michigan was a foregone conclusion.
Now the disease is reported in Metro Detroit.
One case was reported in Wayne and another in Oakland County, WXYZ first reported, citing unnamed sources.
As of March 10, 57 individuals have tested negative for COVID-19 and 77 others have had testing approved, a requirement as test kits are still scarce in the U.S. Hundreds of others in the state are being monitored, the station reports.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, at a press conference Tuesday night, said the tests still need to be confirmed by the CDC, but the state is moving forward and treating the tests as positive.
"It has moved into Michigan," Whitmer said. "Please make sure your family and friends are taking every preventative measure possible." She signed an executive order for a state of emergency "in order of maximize our efforts and assist local governments and officials to slow the spread."
She urged Michiganians to take preventative measures to slow the spread of the disease, including washing hands often for at least 20 seconds and replacing handshakes with elbow bumps. (See video below.)
"We are Michiganders. We are tough, and we will get through this," said Whitmer.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state chief medical executive, is quoted as saying: "These are the first known cases. There will very likely be more cases, and it is likely to be community spread."
The Oakland case is an adult woman and the Wayne patient is an adult man, Fox 2 reports.
"This patient in Wayne County is currently under isolation. Our Public Health Division is working to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient so we can take appropriate steps and monitor them closely,” said County Executive Warren C. Evans, according to the station.
“We are continuing to collaborate with the state health department and recommend residents continue to practice prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
“Oakland County and our Health Division will investigate the circumstances around this case so we understand if there are any potential close contacts," said County Executive Dave Coulter. "We must all as individuals and communities continue our prevention and preparedness strategies as we hope for a full recovery for this member of the community.
