Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay at home order that took effect on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. She said, "This disease can't spread if we are not out there." Please take heed to this. You may feel that you are ok and you can go along with your normal activity, however that is not how the Coronavirus cases will decrease. People must stay home to limit the amount of people you come in contact with. The Stay at Home order is in effect for the next three weeks. The "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directs all Michigan businesses and operations 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 a 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, like going to the hospital or grocery store.

That means, Stay Home.

However, if you feel you need to go outside practice Social Distancing. That is keeping a 6 ft distance between you and the next person. This is very important. Don't be afraid to ask the person standing behind you to back up a little bit if they are a little close. Do it nicely, but do it as your health and their health is important.

Additionally, under Executive Order 2020-21, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons outside a single household are temporarily prohibited. People may leave the house to perform for limited, necessary purposes, and may engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity, consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside a person's household and with other restrictions imposed by prior executive orders.

Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is:

• If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.

Keep a 6 ft distance between you and the next person

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.

Use this time to talk to your family members at home and do projects at home. You can read books and play games together. One good activity to do is to do a family call to people that you normally text. Call your grandparents or grandchildren. We can connect by our phones since we cannot connect in person.

I know this is a repeat of information that you have been reading over the last three weeks, but we want to make sure you are taking this virus seriously. Please take heed and share the information with your family. We are in this together and we must stay informed. We will get through this. Lastly, pray daily for your family and the world

Visit http://www.michigan.gov for more information.