KALAMAZOO, MI — The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department is suggesting those who donated plasma June 27-29 or July 3, 6 or 8-9 at Grifols BioMat USA get tested for the novel coronavirus.
The plasma center, located at 167 E. Kalamazoo Ave., reportedly has had one symptomatic employee who was at the center on those dates test positive for COVID-19, a news release from the county states.
The medical/clinical employee with COVID-19 was wearing a face covering and shield while working; however, transmission is still possible due to the prolonged close contact that may occur during the process of plasma donation, the release states.
People with symptoms, which may develop within 2 to 14 days after exposure, should seek immediate testing for COVID-19 and isolate themselves while awaiting results, the health department suggests. Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, cough, shortness of breath, fever, and new loss of taste or smell.
People without symptoms may request testing, if desired. Asymptomatic infections may also occur and can be contagious, the release states.
Contact tracing is ongoing, but the health department believes that reaching all individuals who were possibly exposed may be difficult, the county states in the release.
“People should be aware that they may receive a phone call or message from us,” said Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford in a statement. “We ask if you do, to please call us back.
“Reducing the risk of community transmission is a critical intervention for COVID-19. With more places reopening and people interacting more in public, we are likely to have potential public exposures, like this one, occur.”
Many options are available for coronavirus testing in the community, the department states.
People can contact their primary care physician or find a testing site by calling the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136 and then select option 1. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
People can also go to the MDHHS website, Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest, to find a testing location.
PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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Kalamazoo plasma center a possible coronavirus exposure site - mlive.com
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