FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 27, 2020
Media Update From the
Calhoun County Public Health Department
As of March 27, 2020 at Noon, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 9 confirmed positive cases reported to the Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD).

The CCPHD, with Jackson County Health Department, has identified a probable site of COVID-19 exposure in Jackson County:
  • Michigan High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball District Tournament Game at Concord High School on Wednesday, March 11, 2020

If you or someone you know is sick with coronavirus symptoms and attended the event, CCPHD recommends to self isolate and call their doctor. Because COVID-19 has an established period of time between exposure and when someone becomes ill, those who have attended the game and are not sick are outside of the infection window.

Because there is evidence of community spread , the CCPHD will not be naming public low-risk exposure locations. Residents can assume there is a possibility the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community.

Health Director Eric Pessell said, "We have received legal advice that this information may not be disclosed as a matter of federal law. Our legal team is monitoring changes made under the emergency orders issued at the federal and state level, however, they do not change the fundamental requirement of compliance with HIPAA."

CCPHD is announcing evidence of community spread to reinforce that people should be taking all recommended prevention measures, including staying at home. Residents should remember this is why we have community mitigation strategies and unprecedented restrictions in place. The collective goal of the EOC and Public Health Department remains to slow the spread of cases as much as possible.

Pessell reminds the public, "Together, we can do this. Take every possible opportunity to practice prevention and social distancing."
 
The CCPHD urges everyone to take the necessary precautions including washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, avoiding touching one's face, avoiding those who are sick, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces. It’s also important to practice social distancing (keep at least six feet between yourself and others).


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For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 counts in Calhoun County, visit the County website,  calhouncountymi.gov . Case counts will be updated twice daily.

For updates from the City of Battle Creek, please visit  battlecreekmi.gov/coronavirus.

The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visit  michigan.gov/coronavirus
For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager
269-781-0926,  lblair@calhouncountymi.gov

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager