Warren Mayor Jim Fouts Prepares Warren For Influenza String A And Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Over these past weeks we have all watched as news of the spread of Coronavirus in China, other parts of Asia and across the globe has been thrust onto our TV screens. As Mayor, it is my goal to educate, detect, and prevent any potential threat to our community here in Warren.

These steps have been taken to protect the citizens of Warren during a potential threat to their health:

• I have released a Public Service Announcement (PSA), and will continue to educate the public on the symptoms and prevention of COVID-19.
•  We have implemented a public health management decision making training for all Police and Fire personnel on COVID-19.
• Our dispatchers have been educated on COVID-19 risk assessment so that they can alert and assist our first responders of potential risk on any call on which they are sent.
• I have issued all municipal buildings to display educational materials from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help educate and identify symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
• City Hall will feature hand sanitizing stations at each entrance and at each Department counter, to reduce the spread of all viruses.
• I will be setting up meetings at local hospitals (Beaumont and St. John
  Ascension) to make sure they have protocol in place.
• We will be meeting with local schools to educate them on symptoms to
  look for with students and staff.
• Masks and gloves will be available for residents visiting city hall, and
  employees.

This virus also affects the economic stability of not only China but also the U.S. and the world. I think our companies may have to rethink investment in China.

The great economic boom that we have had may now have a downturn into a nasty recession because of the inability of the many plants in China to function because of this disease.

This could even affect the U.S. Presidential election in November. It currently affects the production of GM, Ford, and many other U.S. companies.

First, Warren residents should take comfort in knowing, health officials have informed us that the risk of Coronavirus to our community at this time remains low. Secondly, in a series of pro-active steps I have authorized City Administrators to implement a number of preventative measures.

For further information, please visit the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention website at www.cdc.gov and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs.

There is still more to be learned

COVID-19 is an emerging disease and there is more to learn about its
transmissibility, severity, and other features and what will happen in the United States. New information will further inform the risk assessment.

We will continue to work closely with all federal, state, county and other municipal partners to mitigate potential risk and immediately address any local signs of infection. Our residents can feel at ease knowing that their health and well-being is now and always will be my number-one priority. My administration, beginning with Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer, Fire Commissioner Skip McAdams, and all first responders are diligently working to ensure your safety.

Finally, my goal continues to be to serve and protect the citizens and visitors in Warren.

I WANT EVERYONE TO BE PREPARED NOT SCARED!