Granholm Administration Outlines Steps Michigan is Taking to Protect Citizens Against Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Statewide coordinated response to virus outbreak under way

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's administration today outlined the rigorous and comprehensive response under way in Michigan, in coordination with the federal government and health industry experts, as a result of a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) in Michigan.

"We are working to protect citizens and make them aware of the common-sense precautions to keep themselves and their families healthy," stated Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "We are closely monitoring the situation, and this is a time for caution and awareness."

The Michigan State Departments of Agriculture and Community Health along with representatives from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and Joint Information Center (JIC) discussed the coordinated response under way today at a news conference in Lansing. Over the past several days, Michigan has taken several steps in response to the H1N1 outbreak across the country and now in the state, including:

• The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has been monitoring the viral outbreak situation since the first notice occurred on April 24.
• The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was partially activated on April 27; the Joint Information Center (JIC) was activated on April 28.
• The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health officials in Livingston and Ottawa counties.
• The MDCH is continuing to initially process potential specimens and is working with the CDC to determine specific strains of the virus in those specimens.
• The MDCH Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC) has been fully activated to collect and analyze public health information from local partners and provide updated information.
• The MDCH currently is prepping their supply of antivirals for delivery. The MDCH is ensuring the state has adequate medication for those most in need.
• Developed a central Web site for Michigan H1N1 information at the following address: www.michigan.gov/swineflu

There are common-sense steps everyone can take right now, including:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Try to avoid close contact with individuals who appear sick.
• Stay home from school or work if you are sick.
• Keep a safe distance from all people you come in contact with, a behavior called social distancing.

All updates to provide Michigan residents with accurate and timely information on the human outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), as well as updates on the state's actions to protect residents, are available at www.michigan.gov/swineflu.

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