(WWJ) Some Michiganders are buying masks, while others are stockpiling nonperishable foods amid fears about Coronavirus.
On Sunday, metro Detroit shoppers reported aisles were jam-packed at CostCo, and some items were notably missing from shelves. Monday morning, there was no hand sanitizer at Target, Walmart, Meijer, Kroger and CVS stores in Livonia and Troy. The same issue was reported at a West Bloomfield Walgreens over the weekend.
So, are people right to be stocking up? What can you do to decrease your risk? And what should you do if you think you're infected?
Here's a look at what officials recommend as of March 2, 2020.
• SURGICAL MASKS
Short answer: In most cases, no.
"There is not a recommendation for the general public to be wearing masks," said Lynn Sutfin with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. "Obviously in some cases there may be people with compromised immune systems who may be undergoing treatment for things, and as this is influenza season, their health care provider may recommend that for them. However, when it comes to Coronavirus 2019, there has not been a recommendation that the general public wear a mask."
To prevent a shortage of masks, which are needed for medical professionals, officials are asking people not to hoard them. However, health officials say anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (there are no case in Michigan yet), it is recommended that he or she wear a mask if in public.
• HAND SANITIZER
Short answer: Not your best bet.
While hand sanitizer won't hurt in a pinch, hand washing is king. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says hand sanitizer is an OK substitute for soap and water if you don't have access to either. To "wash" your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer, just pump a small glob onto one hand and rub your hands together for about 20 seconds.
But if you can find a sink?
"Whether we're talking about Coronavirus or we're talking about influenza or the common cold, wash your hands often with soap and water." Sutfin told WWJ's Dr. Deanna Lites."I know that it sounds very simple, and people are looking for something more tangible, but (hand washing) is the best thing you can do to protect your health."
In addition: Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and try to avoiding contact with people who are sick.
• NONPERISHABLE FOODS
Short answer: Not because of Coronavirus.
First off, don't panic buy. Sutfin said it is not a recommendation by the CDC to stockpile food due to this outbreak.
However: "It's always good to have maybe a few extra case of water around, or making sure that your medication is full," Sutfin said. "There could be a snowstorm, there could be another natural disaster or something that happens."
"So individuals might want to take a look at what their personal emergency plans are right now," she said, "but there's definitely not been any requirement that you go stock up, other than perhaps it's not a bad idea to have a little bit extra on hand, just in case, for any situation."
• WHAT IF YOU THINK YOU'RE INFECTED?
Short answer: Stay home, call your doctor.
"The first thing you should do is kind of gauge: What are your symptoms? How sick are you feeling? How concerned are you? Do you have a travel history to one of these countries that's have community spread of this disease? Have you been exposed to an individual that's been acknowledged as having this Coronavirus? In those case you'll definitely want to call your health care provider ahead of time and say, 'Hey, I have these symptoms and either this travel history or this exposure history," Sutfin said.
If not, she said, it still might be a good idea to let your doctor's office know ahead of time about your symptoms and concerns. "They may want you to take a little bit of a precaution before you come in, or be aware that that's what you want to be seen for, but there's no requirement for that at this time."
Anyone who is ill, whether it's a cold or the flu or whatever, health officials urge you to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and stay home from work or school.
• WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE VIRUS IN MICHIGAN?
Short answer: Nothing yet.
The MDDHS lab was able to begin testing for the virus as of Feb. 27, and a person tested since that time came back negative. In previous weeks, specimens from five Michigan patients were sent to CDC for COVID-19 testing and those also were all were negative for the virus.
Information on this outbreak is changing rapidly. The public is urged to visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus for updates.
