COVID-19 in Michigan: What to know, how to function in the week ahead
Maryann StrumanMichiganders are starting their first full week facing a new way of life in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That means parents scrambling to care for their kids at home now that schools across Michigan have been ordered shut down. Some people are firing up their laptops at the kitchen table in makeshift home offices after being told to work from home. Many are forced to venture out for one reason or another, either because of their job, to check in on family or other vulnerable people, or to pick up food and supplies.
Here's what to know this week (besides washing your hands):
Travel
The short answer is don't do it, if possible. On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered that many Michigan businesses shut down until March 30.
Closed are "restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, bars, taverns, brewpubs, distilleries, clubs, movie theaters, indoor and outdoor performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas, and casinos," according to a news release.
The order does not apply to office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drugstores, providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.
The point is that folks are supposed to stay home to limit the spread of the virus. But if you do need to venture out, here is what to know:
Getting to work
You can still catch the bus. DDOT and SMART transit centers have not reduced service, and the agencies have stepped up efforts to sanitize their fleet and increase other measures to keep riders safe. However, officials are discouraging the use of public transportation, taxis and ride share services, especially fo anyone considered vulnerable to the virus.
If you do leave the house, remember social distancing. Stay 6-10 feet away from others to avoid catching the virus.
Uber drivers have been swamped — not just from helping people get from point A to point B but also for food and medicine delivery. The company said it will suspend the accounts of riders or drivers confirmed to have exposure to COVID-19 and is focusing on keeping cars clean and sanitized. The company is offering financial assistance to drivers who also are forced to self-quarantine.
Gas prices plummet
The one bright note for motorists since the virus outbreak is that prices for gas and diesel fuel have plunged. For example, regular self-serve fuel was selling for $1.59 at stations across metro Detroit as of Sunday afternoon.
At the airport
The U.S. is prohibiting travel to 28 countries because of the virus. U.S. citizens abroad will be allowed to return. However domestic travel is still allowed, although strongly discouraged. In fact, Dr. Anthony Fauci, 79, the top infectious disease doctor in the nation, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta that he wouldn't get on a plane right now because of the coronavirus outbreak unless absolutely necessary.
"I certainly wouldn't get on a plane for a pleasure trip. It would have to be something that was really urgent," Fauci said.
At the border
The virus has not affected travel at the border with Canada. “All U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry in the State of Michigan are open and fully operational,” the agency said in a news release. “Rumors currently circulating that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry in the State of Michigan are closed are false.”
What about school?
Public and private schools throughout Michigan are to remain closed at least until April 6, by order of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. It's possible the time frame could be extended.
A number of districts, including Dearborn, Muskegon, Flint, Utica, and others continue to make free breakfast and lunch available for kids. Check with your district for times and locations.
Some districts are turning to virtual learning, having teachers email assignments to students and using technology like Google Classroom.
Many child education experts said that the most important thing parents can do is to make their kids stick to a routine, from reading to sleep to exercise so they don't fall out of habit during the extended break.
Food and dining
Be practical when it comes to picking up groceries. Look for things that can be frozen or have a long shelf life. Cook more, and don't hoard things. Stores have been overrun by panic buying, forcing Kroger, Meijer and others to severely cut back hours and shut down deli and meat counters so they can restock.
Also note that stock can vary dramatically from store to store, even in the same city. Remember to keep at least 6 feet away from other shoppers (social distancing) and make good use of the cart wipes. And you don't need to wear a mask while shopping. Masks should be worn by folks who are sick to shield healthy people from the virus, not the other way around.
On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all bars and restaurants in Michigan to shut down. Service is limited to carry-out, delivery and drive-thru. Many restaurants are offering delivery service for free or for a nominal fee as they struggle to stay afloat.
What if I think I'm sick?
Don't run off to the doctor or emergency room. The symptoms of COVID-19 may show up anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Those symptoms are:
- Fever (generally 100.4 or above)
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Wet, productive coughs, low-grade fever or a runny nose generally are not associated with COVID-19.
Unsure? Start by immediately isolating yourself from others, then call your doctor, who will help figure out if you need to be tested. Many appointments are best handled by telemedicine or web visits. You can also call your local health department:
Wayne: 734-727-7100
Macomb: 586-469-5235
Oakland: 248-858-1280
The state of Michigan also has set up a COVID-19 hotline to field questions. It is open seven days a week 8 a.m.5 p.m. at 888-535-6136.
Many hospital systems are beginning to offer curbside testing. For example, Beaumont hospitals in Royal Oak, Dearborn, Farmington Hills and Troy are offering limited screening for patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath). Note: If medical staff determine a patient needs to be tested, a specimen will be collected and sent to a lab for testing. Call ahead to Beaumont’s COVID-19 hotline at 248-551-7000 or your physician’s office before attempting to get screened.
Older adults with underlying health concerns or those with a compromised immune system who suspect they might be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their physician.
Filing for unemployment
Did you lose your job or get laid off because of coronavirus? Here is how to file for unemployment.
Applications can be made online. First, file a claim. Go to www.michigan.gov/UIA. You will need some basic information, including:
- Your Social Security number
- Your driver's license number
- The names and addresses of employers over the last 18 months
- Quarterly earnings
- The last day of employment for each place
- Employers' federal ID number
- Alien registration number if you aren't a U.S. citizen
After you file, you must register for work at Michigan Works! The agency is asking folks to register online to decrease the number of people at its service centers.
Finally, you must contact the agency's automated system for payments, Marvin, every two weeks to receive benefits.
At least it'll be warmer
It will be sunny and clear most of the week with temperatures in the high 40s and 50s, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake. And on Thursday, temps will climb into the 60s, but with rain.
The nicer weather and warmer temps make it ideal for getting out, walking the dog, cleaning up the yard and getting moderate exercise to keep fit and help ward off the virus. Just remember social distancing.
What about pets?
Can your cat or dog catch the novel coronavirus or transmit it? Probably not, but nothing is certain.
The World Health Organization initially said that there was no evidence that cats or dogs could be infected. But over the weekend, the group changed its position, according to Quartz
"The revised stance comes in the wake of an infected dog being found in Hong Kong," Quartz said. "The dog tested positive after remaining with its owners who were sick with the virus. The dog wasn’t showing any clinical signs of the disease, according to a report from World Organization for Animal Health. There’s no evidence that dogs can spread the disease or that the disease can cause an animal to fall ill, the organization says, though further studies may bring new findings."
Contact Maryann Struman 313-222-6457 or @mastruman on Twitter.