A student enters the Eppley Center after MSU released an email notifying students that administration has canceled classes after noon March 11, 2020.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or MDHHS, launched a statewide hotline to answer health-related questions regarding COVID-19, according to a statement from MDHHS. The hotline will open March 14 at 9 a.m.
The statement said health experts will be available to answer health-related questions regarding COVID-19. Though, the statement explains they will not be able to provide clinical advice or diagnosis per individual.
The launch of this service follows rising cases of COVID-19 within the state, which led to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring a state of emergency Tuesday night.
This hotline is among various precautionary efforts from the state government, including temporary prohibition of gatherings exceeding 250 people and temporary closure of all K-12 schools.
The statement urges those who believe they encountered COVID-19 and are expressing symptoms to contact their health care provider. Those without health care providers are advised to contact the nearest hospital.
The hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-535-6136, according to the statement.
“As we continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our state, we want to ensure Michiganders have the information they need to stay healthy, address concerns and know where to go for the care they need if they experience symptoms,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health said in the statement.
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