Earlier this week, the St. Clair County Health Department’s Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante, proclaimed a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the coronavirus, COVID-19 Outbreak. According to the department, the declaration was made to further request additional resources for the public health jurisdiction of St. Clair County in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.This action follows the State of Michigan issuance of a State of Emergency made March 10. The World Health Organization (WHO) also declared a COVID-19 Pandemic on March 11. Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer said the “intent in proclaiming a public health emergency in response to the spread of COVID-19, is to ensure maximum access to the resources necessary to keep people as safe as possible and lessen disease transmission.” The Health Department has also announced this week the operation of a COVID-19 Informational Hotline. The hotline allows residents to call and ask general questions regarding COVID-19. The Informational Hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. After hours, residents can leave a message and it will be returned the next business day. The number for the hotline is (810) 966-4163.
