The COVID-19 virus, commonly called coronavirus, has swept the world, both in terms of infections and news coverage. The relative speed of its spread and the voracity of the 24/7 news cycle have stoked fear and panic.

There are about 111,000 reported cases of coronavirus worldwide out of a total global population of approximately 7.8 billion people. To put that into perspective, the total number of people infected is about the same number of people who attend a Michigan Wolverines home football game on fall Saturdays.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. there have been 164 reported cases, including 11 deaths, in 19 states as of March 7. As of this writing, there are no confirmed infections in Michigan.

But even though our country has not experienced as widespread an outbreak as has China or Italy, we should not become complacent. It is important that we each, individually, be vigilant when it comes to taking care of ourselves. Developing healthy habits can help prevent the spread of infectious illnesses, be it COVID-19, the flu or the common cold.

The state Department of Health and Human Services offers some wise recommendations that we should all be following:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer.   

• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.   

• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.   

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.   

• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others. 

State health officials are also being vigilant. On Feb. 3, MDHHS activated the Community Health Emergency Coordination Center, and the department has been working with local health departments, health systems and medical providers to ensure that appropriate screening and preparations for COVID-19 are being made.

Additionally, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the state Emergency Operations Center to coordinate with state, local and federal agencies to help prevent the spread of the virus. The governor also created four task forces to combat its spread and to assess the impact it may have on Michiganders’ daily lives. 

For all the latest updates on COVID-19, be sure to follow Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.