DETROIT – Detroit is emerging as a trouble spot for coronavirus cases.
President Donald Trump said help is on the way. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said hundreds of ventilators arrived Tuesday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Army Corps of Engineers has been hard at work inside the TCF Center. They anticipate having nearly 1,000 beds ready by April 9.
Whitmer has tweeted pictures of more than 400 ventilators that have come into Michigan from the Strategic National Stockpile.
Today, we received 400 ventilators from the strategic national stockpile. They’re on their way to hospitals in need across the state to help save lives. We are still working to secure more and ensure our health providers have the tools they need. Thank you James Joseph from FEMA. pic.twitter.com/Subeob6Njz
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 31, 2020
Trump said a number of vents were sent to Michigan, Louisiana, New York and New Jersey. FEMA is also expected to send 200,000 test swabs to Michigan.
Whitmer said she is going to issue an Executive Order on K-12 schools this Thursday. Sources familiar with the order have said it will close schools for the remainder of the school year, but online and remote learning will continue.
MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have 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?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
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.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.