Bergman

ALPENA — Stay calm, practice good hygiene, and limit exposure to large crowds and we will all get through this together, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said as Michigan dealt Friday with a growing number of cases of coronavirus.

Bergman, who represents all of the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan, said he has been in touch with state Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, and state Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, to receive updates on what is happening in northern Michigan.

He said it is important people not panic and follow the recommendations from health officials.

Bergman said he has heard reports from communities throughout the district that people are panic shopping and things like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and soap are in short supply. He said people need to be thoughtful when shopping, because others need those products, as well.

“In any situation, the worst thing to do is lose control,” Bergman, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general, said Friday. “It doesn’t make the situation better and only makes things worse. We need to come together to help protect the elderly and those who are the most vulnerable. We will get through this.”

The threat of the virus has led to the cancellation of all Michigan schools for at least three weeks, and many other events and programs have been suspended throughout the state.

Bergman said such abrupt changes to everyday life will shock people, but doing simple things like staying home more often and practicing social distancing for the time being will help limit the impact of coronavirus.

If you go out, try to keep a reasonable distance from people, the congressman urged, especially those who could be showing symptoms like coughing, and to make sure you wash you hands thoroughly and often. Bergman said taking a step back from the constant barrage of coverage will also help.

“It is important to stay educated and up to date, but you don’t need moment-by-moment updates,” he said. “There isn’t going to be a big change in things every five minutes or even five hours.”

A bulk of action taken to address the virus has been coming from the state and local levels of government, Bergman said. He said the federal government is doing its best to provide the necessary funding and tools to help hospitals and businesses and that will continue until the threat passes. President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the virus.

“I think we have the right structure in place to combat the situation and to make sure it becomes a non-issue sooner, rather than later,” Bergman said. “Right now, we need to practice good hygiene like we were taught when we were kids and look out for one another, especially seniors.”