DETROIT – Ford says an employee in Dearborn has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The employee works in product development in Building 5 in Dearborn, according to Ford. The case was confirmed on Monday.
“We learned this person had not been at work between getting exposed to the virus and being diagnosed several days later. That means the colleague could not have transmitted the virus to others at work,” Ford said in an email to Local 4.
Related: Confirmed places where Metro Detroit COVID-19 patients have worked
On Monday, Ford Motor Company started asking much of its workforce, including salaried employees in North America and South America to work remotely until further notice due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Employees who must report to manufacturing facilities to do jobs must still report. That means salaried and hourly employees who work in the plants should still report to work, Ford says. The company said it is taking extra precautions at its buildings to keep workers and environments safe and clean.
Related: Employee at GM Cole Engineering Center in Warren tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.