Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency, first cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Michigan

(ABC57) -- According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the state.

There is one case in Oakland County and one case in Wayne County.

Governor Whitmer has declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts and assist local areas in slowing the spread of the virus. 

“We are taking every step we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep Michiganders safe,” Governor Whitmer said. 

The case in Oakland County is an adult female who recently traveled internationally, and in Wayne County the case is an adult male with recent domestic travel. 

The patient in Wayne County is currently under isolation and the patient in Oakland County is being monitored. 

Local health departments say they are working to identify anyone that may have come in contact with either patient. 

Currently, 39 people have tested negative for COVID-19 and 63 others have had testing approved in Michigan, while there are hundreds of others in the state being monitored.

At the end of February, Governor Whitmer activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response to coronavirus.

She created four task forces in early March to combat the spread of the virus.

The task forces include State Operations, Health and Human Services, Education and Economy/Workforce. 

Indiana now has 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as well, marking a total of 8 cases in the two states.