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Beaumont Public Health
FROM BEAUMONT PUBLIC HEALTH:
Today, March 23, 2020 the Beaumont Public Health Department (BPHD) received confirmations
of 3 positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Beaumont residents bringing the
current number to 6.
These individuals are currently quarantined at home and are cooperating with the direction of the
health department.
Quarantine procedures include persons with COVID-19 staying home for at least 14 days,
monitoring their temperature twice a day and only leaving home if they need medical care.
For confidentiality purposes, BPHD is not releasing any additional information to identify the
individuals.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. We understand these positive cases may concern our
community, but at this time, there is very little evidence of community spread as 4 of the 6
confirmed cases are travel related. The immediate risk for Beaumont residents remains low. We
have worked very hard planning and preparing for this moment. There are steps in place to
safeguard the community.
BPHD is conducting epidemiological investigations and is working to quickly identify close
contacts of the individuals. Those may include family, friends, co-workers and other potential
contacts.
These are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones protected:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60
percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. If tissues are
not available, cough and sneeze into your elbow. Do not cough and sneeze into your hands.
• Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning
spray or wipe.
• Get a flu shot. The flu vaccine does not offer protection against COVID-19, but it is also
flu season.
• Avoid crowds of more than 10 people.Call your healthcare provider if you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath and are concerned you have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient or have a history
of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of symptom onset.
It is important that you call first so they can evaluate your risk and determine if they need to see
you in person so that other patients are not potentially put at risk.
Roughly 80 percent of those who fall ill with COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms similar
to those of the flu and will recover without needing any hospitalization. Those who are at a higher
risk for COVID-19 and developing complications include older adults and those with underlying
health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.