Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RICHARD JENKINS
The presence of the coronavirus on the Gogebic Range was confirmed Thursday, not just with the announcement of the first positive cases but with the deaths of two people -- one each in Iron and Gogebic counties.
The Gogebic County case involved an elderly man with underlying health issues, according to the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, which said it was notified of the COVID-19-related death Thursday.
"Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who lost their loved one," said the department's health officer, Cathryn Beer. "This is a tragic reminder of how serious a threat COVID-19 is to our residents, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. We need to work together to protect each other, support each other and slow the spread of this disease."
The department is continuing to investigate the case, according to the announcement, which appears to be the first in the Upper Peninsula.
The Iron County Health Department announced the death associated with the novel coronavirus infection but didn't release any other information regarding the case.
"We are saddened by this death and our hearts go out to the family, friends and community," said Katie Hampston, Iron County's director of public health. "We strongly encourage our residents to stay safer at home unless activities are essential. That is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our community."
Officials in both states are asking residents to observe the respective directives in both states ordering residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary and to practice social distancing if travel must occur as a means of limiting the spread of the pandemic.
The Western U.P. Health Department said anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others.
"Remember, the symptoms of COVID-19 are not your usual runny nose and sneezing. Instead, COVID-19 symptoms include (a) fever greater than 100.4 degrees, dry cough and shortness of breath," a health department spokesperson said in the announcement of the Gogebic County death. "Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. If you become ill, call your doctor before going into the office. Testing will be determined based on risk assessment."
Along with staying inside and practicing social distancing, officials in both states have encouraged people to use good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, avoiding touching faces, sanitizing surfaces and staying home if sick to minimize the spread of the pandemic.
For more information on the virus, residents visit the websites of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the respective state and local health departments. Michigan residents can also call a local information line at 906-487-5545 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST; or a state information line at 1-888-535-6136 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST seven days a week.
