Wayne County has issued the following FAQ bulletin following the confirmed case of COVID-19:

What is 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? 

COVID-19 is caused by a new respiratory virus in the coronaviruses family. This family of viruses is common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. The virus, which originated in China, began circulating in humans in December. While little is known about this new virus, symptoms range from mild to severe illness. 

What is known about the current case of COVID-19 in Wayne County? 

The individual is an adult male who traveled extensively within the United States and had no known exposure from an overseas contact. This patient is currently in isolation. Our Public Health Division is working to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient so we can take appropriate steps with them such as home quarantine and monitoring. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include: 

• Fever 

• Cough 

• Shortness of Breath 

How does COVID-19 spread? 

COVID-19 can be spread from an infected person to others through: 

• The air by coughing and sneezing without covering your mouth and nose with your elbow 

• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands 

• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your face, in particular, your mouth, nose or eyes 

Who is most vulnerable to COVID-19? 

Older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems and chronic illnesses are most at risk to succumb to COVID-19. 

How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19? 

Steps you take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent the spread of COVID 19, which include: 

• Stay home if you are sick 

• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing 

• Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth 

• If feeling ill, call your doctor immediately 

Is it safe to travel during this outbreak? 

If you are traveling domestic or overseas, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines found at www.cdc.gov/travel. 

What does it mean if someone is being monitored for COVID-19? 

Wayne County Public Health Division epidemiologists monitor the health of people who could have been exposed to the virus. Epidemiology staff contact the quarantined individuals, assess their risk and communicate with him/her daily for health monitoring (temperature, cough, difficulty breathing) for 14 days after their last day of possible exposure. 

Information summarizing the number of individuals referred to Michigan’s public health agencies for monitoring or assessment is available at www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus. 

What is quarantine and isolation? 

• Quarantine is a process which separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. 
• Isolation is a process which separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. 

What is the criteria for testing for COVID-19? 

Currently, the criteria set by the MDDHS grants priority testing to those most vulnerable to the disease which includes: hospitalized patients with signs and symptoms, individuals age 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions and/or who are immunocompromised, or individuals who have traveled outside the US within 14 days. 

Can my healthcare provider test for COVID-19? 

Healthcare providers can collect specimen to be tested if an individual meets the testing criteria established by the CDC. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories performs the test for individuals in Michigan. 

Information Updates: 

For the latest information and updates on , visit Wayne County’s COVID-19 response visit www.waynecounty.com or call 2-1-1 or 734-287-7870. 

For national and state updates, visit: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus 

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus