ESCANABA — Delta County’s first positive test for COVID-19 was announced by Public Health, Delta and Menominee Counties (PHDM) Sunday afternoon.

“They had one presumptive positive from a female in Delta County,” Delta County Administrator Emily DeSalvo said.

DeSalvo said PHDM had not released any additional information as of Sunday.

According to DeSalvo, the finding of a positive test result is not expected to result in alterations to Delta County’s coronavirus response plan.

“As of right now, it doesn’t change anything,” she said.

According to a press release from PHDM, the health department was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of the presumptive positive test result Sunday.

“There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19,” Robert S. Van Howe, MD, Interim Medical Director for PHDM said in the release. “Many people who get COVID-19 experience mild, cold-like illness, but in some cases people experience severe illness, hospitalization, and/or death.”

PHDM is in the process of identifying and contacting people who have had close contact with the individual.

Those who are concerned they may have a COVID-19 infection should contact their healthcare professional with their concerns. Healthcare professionals will make arrangements for evaluation that can minimize the risk of viral transmission and reduce the strain on the healthcare system.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit the PHDM website at www.phdm.org, www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, or www.cdc.gov/COVID19. There is also a state informational COVID-19 hotline (888-535-6136) available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT seven days a week.

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) also received notification of the first COVID-19 positive case in Houghton County. The health department continues to investigate the case to determine exposure risk to recent contacts.

“At this time, I advise the public to be diligent, yet level-headed in prevention efforts,” said Cathryn A. Beer, health officer at WUPHD. “I urge you to get your information and situation updates from reputable sources such as the health department or your physician.”

WUPHD will not be naming public low-risk exposure locations. Residents should behave as though the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community, including businesses and buildings that are open under the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21.

In other developments in Michigan, a convention center in Detroit will be turned into a 900-bed hospital in response to the coronavirus, the federal government said Sunday. Construction at TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Center, will begin after contracts are wrapped up in 24 to 36 hours, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said. The June auto show has been canceled.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer swiftly agreed to use TCF Center. Michigan, especially Detroit and surrounding communities, has been one of the hardest-hit states. It had nearly 5,500 cases of the coronavirus by Sunday and 132 deaths. Detroit residents make up about 30% of cases.

“The dire situation in Detroit is getting worse by the minute,” Whitmer said on CNN.

Henry Ford Health System said it had 507 patients at five hospitals as of Sunday morning. Beaumont Health, which has eight hospitals, said it was caring for 810 people with COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, and another 210 who were awaiting test results.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Whitmer signed an order Sunday night suspending the transfer of inmates to prisons from county jails until virus risks in prisons have been reduced.

VICTIMS

Family members said they suspect state Rep. Isaac Robinson, D-Detroit, died Sunday as a result of the coronavirus.

It’s “another reminder of how we all need to do our part to protect ourselves and each other in these difficult times,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who called Robinson’s death a “devastating loss.”

At least three clergymen have died from COVID-19. Auxiliary Bishop Robert Smith Sr. and pastor Kevelin Jones, both from the Flint area, and pastor Myron Lett of Detroit were leaders in the Church of God in Christ, according to the church’s regional office.

“I thought the world of this dear, generous man,” Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton said of Jones.

Smith’s family announced his death on Facebook: “What we know about the new coronavirus is that no one is immune to it.”

Western Michigan University said Bassey Offiong, a student from Detroit who was poised to graduate, died.

WHITMER VS. TRUMP

Whitmer, a Democrat, was asked on NBC’s “Meet The Press” about back-and-forth barbs with President Donald Trump, who has referred to her as inept. She said she has repeatedly talked to Vice President Mike Pence about Michigan’s needs and has a good relationship with federal agencies.

“We are not one another’s enemies. The enemy is the virus. And it is spreading. And it is taking American lives,” the governor said.

HOLD THE MUSTARD

A popular hot dog stand in Grand Haven, near Lake Michigan, is closing until Whitmer gives the all-clear for all businesses to reopen. The reason: People are driving from long distances, which isn’t essential under the governor’s “stay home, stay safe” order.

“If I could serve only the Tri-Cities residents safely it’s a no brainer but I am not checking IDs. … So, be safe and if the kids get bored, hand them a rake!” Pronto Pups owner Carl Nelson wrote on Facebook.