Gov. Whitmer activates emergency operations center amid coronavirus concerns

LANSING, Mich.—Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Friday activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center to help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

Officials said Friday that there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Michigan.

However, officials are asking that people begin to prepare for the possibility that the disease could gain a larger foothold.

“By activating the State Emergency Operations Center, we’re ensuring that every branch of state government is on alert, and actively coordinating to prevent the spread of Coronavirus if it comes to Michigan. We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution. We will continue to take every necessary precaution to keep Michiganders safe,” Whitmer said in a press release.

According to Whitmer’s office, as of February 27, over 81,000 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed globally. Over 78,000 of the cases are in China. About 2,600 people in China have died due to the disease.

The CDC said that the disease often presents itself with symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Health officials said the public should be practicing preventative measures including washing hands often, avoiding touching the eyes and nose, avoiding contact with sick people and staying home if you’re sick.