HOLLAND, Michigan — The Ottawa County Department of Public Health is reporting its first case of coronavirus. They said the patient is a woman with no known travel and she is in isolation.
Holland Hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Schmitt confirmed that the case is at their hospital. She said the hospital was prepared and they implemented all the necessary procedures.
"We are 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 Dr. Paula Heidel, OCDPH medical director. “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."
Monday, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health held a press conference to discuss the county's first confirmed case of coronavirus.
"These are unprecedented times, not just for us here in Ottawa County, but for all of us in Michigan and throughout the United States," said Lisa Stefanvosky, a health officer with the county.
Stefanvosky emphasized that the majority of residents are at low risk for contracting COVID-19, and most often people have mild symptoms.
"We need to count on every single one of our citizens to help mitigate this disease. We need everybody to be following the orders that are being put forward to mitigate this," Stefanvosky said.
This includes recommendations from the CDC to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
Watch the full press conference here:
The Kent County Health Department said there are also two additional cases in the county, bringing the total to five. One case is a man in his 20s who has no travel history. The health department said he is doing well and isolated at home. The other case is a man with a history of domestic travel.
Adding these three new positive cases, West Michigan has seven total confirmed coronavirus cases: five in Kent County, one in Montcalm County and one in Ottawa County.
Michigan's chief medical Joneigh Khaldun said the state lab has the capability to test 115 specimens daily. Sunday, state officials confirmed 12 more positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 45.
"We continue to run tests at our state lab every day," said Khaldun. "And I expect there to be more cases identified. There is evidence of community spread and our lab testing data does not give us the full picture of what is going on as far as this disease in our community."
The CDC says patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
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