KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is now reporting three positive cases of the coronavirus in the county.
That announcement came just after 8:30 a.m. Monday. Officials say the three adult cases are unrelated and one is a Kalamazoo County Sheriff deputy.
Two of the patients have travel histories within the state and one has no known travel history outside of Kalamazoo County. Health officials say that all three patients showed COVID-19 symptoms, all of them are in stable condition, but one is still being hospitalized.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton said that the deputy was most likely exposed to the coronavirus while on the east side of the state, but very little details about the patients were released.
Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford says those three cases were conducted and verified in a private lab. He stressed the importance that more testing still needs to be done.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says everyone who may have come in contact with these patients have been contacted already and they are being monitored for any possible symptoms. He called the number of possible interactions “very limited” and said there were “less than a half a dozen” people who may have come in contact with these individuals.
Sheriff Fuller also stressed the importance of not hoarding food during this pandemic. “Our food chain is a robust food chain, we have a good supply of food.”
He also reassured residents saying, “Pay attention. Work together. Try to stay as Team Kalamazoo because we are strong and we will work together.”
At last reported on Monday there have been 80 tests submitted in Kalamazoo County, 45 have come back negative, 3 are positive for COVID-19, and 32 are still pending.
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The Kalamazoo County Health Department is reminding residents:
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should:
- Wash their hands.
- Stay home when sick.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching their face.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing.
For social distancing, we recommend the following:
- Keep six feet between yourself and others when possible.
- Avoid public places at their busiest times.
- Work from home when possible.
- Cancel gatherings of more than 50 people as required by Michigan law. However, it is recommended gatherings not exceed 10 people.
- Limit travel.
