Muskegon child diagnosed with coronavirus, county health officials confirm

The third COVID-19 case in Muskegon County is a child, county public health officials announced Tuesday afternoon.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services notified Public Health – Muskegon County that a male child with no travel history has been diagnosed with COVID-19. County officials did not specify the child’s age.

County public health officials said in a press release that they are “contacting people who have been in close contact with the patient,” and those individuals “will be assessed for symptoms and monitored appropriately.”

“This is a strong reminder that COVID-19 can affect people of all ages,” Muskegon County Health Officer Kathy Moore said in a press statement. “It is important that everyone practice social distancing, follow all public health orders, and work together to slow the spread of this illness.”

County officials announced the first two coronavirus cases in Muskegon County yesterday, March 23.

There are 55 pending coronavirus tests from Muskegon County residents, according to county health officials. State officials reported there are 1,791 COVID-19 cases in Michigan; 24 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in the state. There have been no coronavirus-related deaths in Muskegon County.

Of the 1,791 cases in Michigan, 1 percent are between the ages of 0 and 19, 8 percent are between 20 and 29 years old, 17 percent are between 40 and 49 years old, 20 percent are between the ages of 50 and 59, 21 percent are between 60 and 69 years old, 13 percent are between 70 and 79 years old, and 7 percent are over the age of 80.

To prevent COVID-19 from spreading, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a three-week shelter-in-place executive order Monday morning, which directs all Michigan businesses and other venues to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are “not necessary to sustain or protect life.” The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, such as going to the hospital or grocery store.

Businesses that will remain open include: restaurants and bars (for take-out and deliveries only), grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, medical marijuana stores, health care facilities, banks, utilities, liquor stores, and car repair shops.

“In just 13 days, we’ve gone from 0 to over 1,000 COVID-19 cases,” Whitmer said during a Monday morning press conference. “This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.”

County health officials emphasized that to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should stay at home, wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus or have such symptoms as a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, contact your medical provider for further guidance. Click here for more information regarding symptoms and treatment. Both Mercy Health and Spectrum Health are performing virtual coronavirus screenings; click here to access information from Mercy and here for information from Spectrum.

If you have questions about the coronavirus, contact the following:

• Public Health – Muskegon County: 1-231-724-6246
• Michigan COVID-19 Hotline:1-888-535-6136
• Mercy Health COVID-19 Hotline: 1-833-247-1258
• Spectrum Health COVID-19 Hotline: 1-833-559-0659

For updates from local health officials, visit muskegonhealth.net. Information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Story by Anna Gustafson, the publisher and editor of Muskegon Times. You can connect with her by emailing muskegontimes@gmail.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.