Garlin Gilchrist

ALPENA — Much has been made of the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan’s southern counties, but state officials want people in more remote areas of the state to know their needs are being addressed, as well.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties were among the 16 counties with zero confirmed cases of coronavirus infection. All contiguous counties had at least one confirmed case. Otsego County had 19. McLaren Northern Michigan reported its first coronavirus-related death at its Petoskey hospital.

Public health officials in Northeast Michigan asked snowbirds returning from Southeast Michigan to self-quarantine for 14 days to prevent spread of the disease.

Rural areas will not be spared from the virus, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist told The News on Wednesday. He said the state is working with local officials to secure needed equipment.

“This is going to pop up in every county,” he said. “It is just a matter of time, and it is our responsibility to make sure we protect the public and make sure needed tools are adequate. There are good mechanisms in place to help procure personal protection equipment from all over the world.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The Kiwanis Kiddie Park is seen closed on Wednesday. The city has closed playgrounds to help control the spread of COVID-19. City Manager Rachel Smolinski and Mayor Matt Waligora said the move was made to protect the public and mirrors action taken by other municipalities.

Gilchrist said he is hopeful the virus spread in rural areas will be less severe than in Southeast Michigan, where 80% of the state’s nearly 10,000 coronavirus cases have been reported.

Gilchrist said he knows rural areas have different challenges than more populated areas. There are fewer hospitals, fewer medical professionals, and more seniors, who are more at risk of infection, illness, and death.

It is difficult to determine how widely spread COVID-19 is Up North, because testing has been limited and is just beginning to amp up, the lieutenant governor said. When more results are available, more will be known about what precise steps need to be taken.

“We are still trying to get our arms around this and get a shape of this virus,” he said. “The only way to really achieve that is through more testing, and we are working hard with everyone to do that.”

Meanwhile, the virus continued to shape the daily lives of residents, both positively and negatively:

∫ A Carmeuse Lime and Stone employee who was tested for COVID-19 after being exposed to an infected contractor does not have the disease, the company confirmed on Wednesday.

∫ The City of Alpena on Wednesday asked residents to sterilize their mailboxes and to sterilize trash cans before putting them out on the curb and when they bring them in after pick-up.

∫ Michigan Farm Bureau of Family Companies has launched a Million Meals Challenge, donating $50,000 itself and promising to match an additional $50,000 from members, clients, and donors to help supply food banks in Michigan. Visit justgiving.com/campaign/millionmeals.

∫ Lydia Watson, chief medical officer at MidMichigan Health, owner of the Alpena hospital, recently recorded a podcast explaining the coronavirus and its risk. The podcast can be heard here: https://tinyurl.com/t6ys96f.

NO NEED YET FOR PATIENT TRANSFERS

The number of positive cases in the Detroit area has made national headlines.

Temporary overflow facilities, including the former Cobo Hall, are being transformed into medical facilities and readied for patients with help from the National Guard.

At this point, the state has no plans to move patients from downstate to northern Michigan, Gilchrist said, although he couldn’t rule out the possibility that could happen if things take an unexpected turn for the worse.

“We are trying to put together safe, portable facilities, close to the people’s homes,” he said. “Things are out in place to have safe transfers to them. Right now, we don’t see the need to transfer people that far and onto other communities.”

Gilchrist said the Governor’s Office is aware Up North residents are concerned about people leaving areas of the state where the virus is prevalent and seeking refuge at cottages and cabins.

He said the government doesn’t have the authority to ban them from doing so and can only issue recommendations. Among those recommendations, he said, are for people to avoid unnecessary travel and, if it is needed, to quarantine for 14 days after reaching their destination.

That should be done in all instances, Gilchrist said, but especially by those who are leaving areas that have confirmed cases, had contact with someone infected, or are showing symptoms.

“If someone owns a home, cottage, or camp, we don’t have the authority to prevent them from going to them,” the lieutenant governor said. “However, they should do what is right and do what they can to limit exposure to others.”

EXTENDED ORDERS?

Gilchrist didn’t want to speculate on whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would extend her shelter-at-home order, which is set to expire on April 13. President Donald Trump has extended through the end of the month the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines against gatherings of 10 or more people.

“We’ll make that decision after we talk to the health experts, because there are a lot of factors that will be put into it,” Gilchrist said. “We want to make sure we make a decision that is best for the public’s health, as well as our economy. We’ll do what the right thing is.”

Gilchrist said he wanted to thank all the health care workers, truck drivers, cashiers and other workers who are potentially exposing themselves to the virus to be sure critical public functions continue to operate. He said their dedication and bravery will help lead their communities though these uncertain times.

He also urged people to check on their neighbors and to volunteer or help in their communities. He said there are many ways to do so, including supporting a small business or helping at a care center.

“The only way we are going to get through this is by working together,” Gilchrist said. “I know that has been said a lot, but it’s true.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.