(WWJ) Michigan is making another move due to concerns about COVID-19, the new coronavirus.
Officials said Tuesday the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activated the Michigan Joint Information Center (JIC) today to coordinate state agency communications efforts in response to the potential spread of COVID-19.
Currently, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan. However, according to the latest information released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 471 residents have been referred for monitoring for the virus, and 124 are under active monitoring. So far, 63 tests have been conducted, and the results of 24 of those tests are still pending.
Officials said JIC is activated at a virtual level to allow responding public information officers (PIO) in many locations across the state to post and access the latest verified information from an online location. In addition to providing crucial information throughout the emergency, the virtual JIC is used to share information.
"During emergencies, whether it be a natural disaster or a public health issue, the Joint Information Center is used to track important information and provide it to the public," said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. "Timely and accurate communication is key to ensuring the safety of Michigan's residents."
This comes after on Feb. 28, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the SEOC to coordinate with state, local and federal agencies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The SEOC is overseen by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and coordinates response and recovery efforts by state agencies and local government. The SEOC is staffed by members of state agencies for decision making and information coordination during disasters or emergencies in the state of Michigan.
Back on Feb. 3, MDHHS activated the Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC) to support local and state response to the outbreak. MDHHS is working closely with healthcare providers, local public health departments, and the CDC to identify potential cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. MDHHS has implemented emergency response standard operating procedures that address infectious disease outbreaks and new or emerging illnesses, such as COVID-19.
Information on this outbreak is changing rapidly. The public is urged to visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus for updates.
