This story is currently developing, there are currently no cases of Washtenaw County residents or Eastern Michigan University students who have tested positive for COVID-19.
A patient with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is being treated at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor as of March 11, according to the University of Michigan Health System’s website.
As of today, two cases of Michigan residents testing positive for the Coronavirus have been announced by a coordinated statement by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Oakland County Health Division and Wayne County Health Department, according to the Michigan.gov press release.
In response to the positive cases, Whitmer announced a state of emergency “in order to slow the spread of the virus,” the release states.
There is currently one case of an adult female in Oakland County who came into contact with the virus likely through international travel. The second case is of an adult male from Wayne County with likely exposure due to domestic travel.
In response to the positive cases all public universities have ceased in-person classes. At Eastern Michigan University, university President James Smith announced that effective March 12, all in-person classes will be suspended until March. 31. On Monday, March 16, EMU will transition to an online format.
Michigan Technical University and Michigan State University were the first to announce their class cancellations. MSU has moved to virtual coursework. Wayne State University has extended its spring break until March 23, 2020, however the WSU housing and dining services and facilities will remain open and functioning. It is speculated that the remaining universities in the state will move to virtual coursework in the coming days.
In a previous article, The Eastern Echo reported that 33 EMU students and two EMU faculty members have returned from a study abroad trip to Italy and are currently in self-quarantine at their homes or permanent residences. Two of the students showed symptoms for the virus, however they both tested negative for COVID-19.
Currently, 27 COVID-19 patient tests are pending in the state. 91 patient tests in the state have shown negative results for the virus. 150 Michigan residents currently recommended for virus testing are being monitored.
Symptoms of the virus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For information on what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website.
