The news about the new coronavirus and COVID-19 is everywhere, but it’s often hard to know what in the media and on social media is reliable and can be trusted. The following resources provide the most up-to-date and reliable information about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.
Updates from Governor Gretchen Whitmer
The Governor has declared a State of Emergency in Michigan. You can find up-to-date information and press releases on the Governor’s website.
State of Michigan Website
State of Michigan/Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MDHHS has set up a COVID-19 website with up-to-date information, including news updates, Michigan’s response, and links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
MDHHS has also launched a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Public health and other experts can answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 am to 5 pm at 1-888-535-6136.
MDHHS Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading national public health institute of the United States. The page the CDC website is a one-stop shop for background on the strain, COVID-19, as well as the class of coronaviruses; CDC-authored news monitoring the situation, including all the statistics on cases; and a wealth of resources for professionals, travelers, and the general public.
CDC Website
World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a trusted, authoritative source for public health information. The WHO’s primary role is to direct international health within the United Nation’s system and to lead partners in global health responses.
The WHO is the organization that announced the official name of the disease that is causing the outbreak of coronavirus disease: COVID-19.
The WHO coronavirus website has information on the coronavirus family, including background on the coronavirus family and select news on the outbreak, while their Questions and Answers page addresses common questions related to coronavirus. The WHO Advice for the Public page has practical information for dealing with the outbreak on a personal level, including videos, graphics, myth-busters, tips for dealing with stress and more.
World Health Organization Website
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State provides updated information about travel safety and security, including travel advisory updates and information for travelers.
U.S. Department of State Website
Munson Healthcare
As northern Michigan’s trusted healthcare provider, we are working hard to ensure we are communicating the best and most up-to-date information about COVID-19 by staying in constant contact with our local health department and the MDHHS and following the CDC and WHO guidelines. Learn more about how Munson Healthcare is prepared for COVID-19 from President and CEO Ed Ness.
If you have questions specific to Munson Healthcare call 231-935-0951 to access our Munson Healthcare COVID-19 hotline, which is open 7 am to 7 pm daily. Press 5 to speak to a nurse.
Find COVID-19 updates in northern Michigan from Munson Healthcare or follow us on Facebook.
As news and information evolves daily about the new coronavirus and COVID-19, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The American Psychological Association advises finding a few trusted sources to use to keep yourself up-to-date and to keep perspective: Washing your hands frequently, social distancing, and staying home when you are ill are the rules of the day when it comes to reducing the spread of COVID-19.