If you think you are sick: Call your doctor. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical assistance. If the situation develops into an emergency, dial 911.
The links listed below are resources pertaining to the pandemic of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Included are documents from Michigan government ordering the shut down of certain institutions, information from the CDC about what COVID-19 is and how to spot the symptoms, and other information about what to expect during this pandemic and how to prevent the virus from spreading.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everything to know about the Coronavirus, from symptoms, how it can affect the elderly and those with autoimmune conditions, and what you can do to prevent the worldwide pandemic from getting worse.
COVID-19 Local Testing Sites
The following page lists local testing sites in the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids areas. Please note requirements for each site as they may not offer walk-in services.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
From Michigan.gov and the Department of Health and Human Services, this site features the most up to date information about COVID-19 and the State of Michigan, including press releases from the Department of Health and Human Services and any mandates that go into effect.
Kalamazoo Health and Community Services Department
Local COVID-19 information for the county of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Includes local statistics, State of Michigan Epidemic Orders, and information for employers.
Executive Orders from the Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
From the Governor’s website, all of the Executive Orders and Executive Directives. Many of those issued in 2020 focus on COVID-19 in different capacities.
Coronavirus Resource Center
From Harvard Health Publishing (part of the Harvard Medical School), frequently asked questions about the Coronavirus.
Be Careful Where You Get Your News About Coronavirus
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, as part of Harvard Health Publishing, breaks down how to spot fake news when it comes to the Coronavirus outbreak. “Where should you turn for the latest information on a rapidly changing situation? It’s hard to beat the convenience of the internet, and we know there’s a lot of useful and reliable information online. But there’s also a lot of misinformation. The trick is to figure out which is which.”
Fraudulent Face Mask Flyers/Cards Alert from the ADA
The United States Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division has updated their Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) page to keep people, businesses, and other entities aware of fraudulent face mask exempt flyers and cards going around during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these documents include the Department of Justice’s seal, but are not endorsed or covered by the ADA. The notice can be viewed below, along with the most common example, coming from an organization called The Freedom to Breathe Agency. This agency is not endorsed by the American government.
Per the ADA website, “the Department urges the public not to rely on the information contained in these postings and to visit ADA.gov for ADA information issued by the Department. For more information and technical assistance about the ADA, please contact the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY).”
Please be aware that any person who presents this card or flyer, wearing no mask, and tries to enter the library at this time may be asked to leave. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work to reopen safely to the public.
MI Safe Start: A Plan to Re-Engage Michigan’s Economy
Published in May 7, 2020 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, this document served as a guide to reopening the Michigan economy steadily and safely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap
Published June 30, 2020 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the COVID-19 Task Force on Education Return to School Advisory Council, this document served as a guide to reopening Michigan’s schools steadily and safely for the 2020-2021 school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.