This special entry comes from the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), SEMCOG’s partner organization. MAC is a unique public/private partnership dedicated to improving Greater Detroit’s quality of life and creating economic opportunity through regional cooperation.
At MAC, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, we have worked for the last several years with the Southeast Michigan Public Health community on issues ranging from medical and recreational marijuana impacts, to mental health and opioid reform, to lead and copper rules and water quality. We have been privileged to work with this exceptional group of professionals who care deeply and are committed to healthy outcomes for our citizens.
The County and City of Detroit Health Departments and their staffs, as well as our healthcare providers, are now on the front line of providing guidance and care to keep us safe from a new enemy – the invisible and formidable Corona virus, racing through our state and country and impacting every aspect of our lives.
MAC is doing its part to reduce the spread of the virus by working remotely. While we are in the business of bringing people and sectors together, during these times it means staying connected in other ways, while we continue to communicate and promote efforts to enhance the Southeast Michigan community.
MAC salutes our Public Health professionals, our Governor, and all public servants for their tireless efforts in this war we are waging. We are incredibly grateful for their service, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. We urge you to let their recommendations guide your actions in the coming weeks. It is the best way to keep our residents and communities healthy and safe, and return to normal as soon as possible.
MAC Public Health Task Force member and Oakland County Medical Director, Dr. Russell Faust, has been a leading spokesperson on the outbreak in our region. He was recently quoted in the Detroit Free Press saying, “Most local coronavirus cases now involve people who have not left Southeast Michigan, meaning the disease is spreading in the community. We all need to face that and take precautions.” Social distancing is one of the strategies most recommended by public health officials to contain the spread of COVID-19.
As Governor Whitmer has directed, Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.
More information and resources on COVID-19 are available on County and City websites, as well as at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
Recommendations include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting
- If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your doctor, or local hospital or health department.
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