Ignore the rumors.  Here is what you should do if you're showing Covid-19 symptoms in Southwest Michigan.

According to the CDC: These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.


We've reached out to Allegan, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St Joseph and Van Buren counties to find out what people from each county should do.

Kalamazoo County residents that think they're experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should do the following:
- Stay home if you are mildly sick (runny nose, sneezing, cough)
- Call your doctor before going to a clinic
- Only go to the emergency department if you are very sick (Severe COVID-19 symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, chest pain or pressure, and bluish lips.) This list is incomplete; talk to your doctor about other signs of medical emergencies
- Follow public health recommendations and orders
- Adhere to the Governor’s executive orders
- Wash your hands
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze/cough with your elbow/sleeve

The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department’s COVID-19 Call Center is 269-373-5200, select Option 1. This number is operational Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Hotline 1-888-535-6136 is operational Sunday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


 

Calhoun County residents that are experiencing Covid-19 Symptoms should do the following according to the Calhoun County Public Health Department:

Please CALL your doctor. You may be asked a series of questions to screen for possible testing. If needed, and depending upon laboratory criteria, you may be asked to give a sample to be submitted for testing. This is a rapidly evolving process, and testing protocols and availability will likely change in the future. Laboratories are required to notify CCPHD of any positive results of a Calhoun County resident.

MDHHS COVID-19 hotline (8am-5pm, 7 days a week) (888) 535-6136
MDHHS COVID-19 e-mail (8am-5pm, 7 days a week) covid19@michigan.gov

Brigette R. Reichenbaugh, Deputy Health Officer/PIO of the Calhoun County Public Health Department had this to say about the limited number of tests,

As of 8AM this morning (3/26/20), the Calhoun County healthcare providers have submitted 99 samples to the state’s bureau of labs for testing. We have received 38 negative results and 7 positive cases, with 54 tests still pending results. Federal, state, and local public health and healthcare systems are actively working on increasing test capacity and decreasing test turn-around times. Locally, we are working with our hospital partners to utilize private labs in order to increase our ability to test more individuals. As more labs become available, the guidelines for testing may broaden. Right now, CCPHD is prioritizing in the following ways per State guidelines:

  • Symptomatic individuals who may be more likely to infect people or a vulnerable population (e.g., healthcare providers and those living in congregate settings like dorms, camps, long-term care facilities)
  • Symptomatic individuals who traveled to an at-risk country
  • Individuals that are a known contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case that are not of the same household of that confirmed COVID-19 case

 

Cass and Van Buren County residents that are experiencing Covid-19 Symptoms should follow these steps:

1. Call their primary care provider (PCP) via telephone
2. Do a virtual visit with their health system/provider
3. Call one of the Care Advisor phone numbers below provided by our local health systems. *these numbers are helpful for individuals who do not have a PCP.
*If your symptoms are life-threatening call 9-1-1

It is important that individuals understand the hospital is intended for those who are very sick. They should not go to the hospital if they are only mildly ill. It’s important to stay home, outside of seeking urgent medical care, to avoid infecting people. If severe, life-threatening symptoms appear, individuals should go to the emergency room.


We are waiting to hear back from Allegan, Branch, and St Joseph counties.  This page will be updated with step by step instructions for each county as that info comes in.


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