ESCANABA — While no one in the Upper Peninsula is currently known to have coronavirus, testing of Delta County residents has begun. The county issued a press release about coronavirus testing Friday.

“Local officials are taking COVID-19 very seriously and hope that with the help of our great community we can mitigate the spread of this virus in our area,” the press release stated.

According to the press release, Public Health, Delta and Menominee Counties has submitted 15 specimens from Delta County to a state lab for testing. As of Friday, three of the tests were negative for COVID-19 and 12 were pending.

These may not be the only specimens submitted for testing in the county, however.

“Several commercial and private labs are able to test COVID-19 specimens now, so there may be more Delta County residents with pending tests than (we) are aware of at this point,” the press release stated.

Any providers using a private lab for coronavirus tests were encouraged to submit information to Public Health.

The press release also included general information from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. While coronavirus is not known to have arrived in the U.P., officials believe the virus will eventually reach the area.

“Inevitably, the U.P. will see COVID-19 cases. There are a lot of agencies working to mitigate its impact on our population,” the press release stated.

As reports of coronavirus have been increasing in Michigan, Delta County residents were asked to take the following precautions to help prevent the virus’ spread:

– Wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

– Avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

– Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

– Avoid handshakes.

– Avoid contact with sick people.

– Stay home when sick.

Additionally, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised that gatherings of 50 or more people be canceled or postponed; that business be done online or over the phone when possible; that people follow restrictions and guidelines from local hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities; and that people be aware of supplies and community availability.

Delta County plans to issue press releases with up-to-date information on the coronavirus pandemic every Tuesday and Friday afternoon. For more information on coronavirus in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.