City of Midland To Change The Way They Report COVID-19 Cases

The city is changing the way that they report COVID-19 cases so it will be more accurate.

According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, the cases reported between October 30-November 4, 2020 was 838.

The most cases reported with the old system was 561 cases during the last week of October.

Erin Bailey, Public Information Officer for the City of Midland, released a statement on the new system:

“COVID-19 cases are notified by their providers where they were tested and at that time instructed on isolation. These cases are not waiting on the health department to notify them of their COVID-19 results. Our releases are confirming how many known cases of COVID-19 we have in our community that we have made contact with. Regardless if there are two or 200 cases, there is COVID-19 in Midland and the precautions and mitigation efforts should remain the same. The staff here are working tirelessly, seven days a week to make contact with the COVID-19 cases. The state has acknowledged our request for additional help as well. We appreciate your patience as staff works through this peak time. Of the seven deaths reported on Monday, four patients died on Friday, one died on Saturday, one died on Sunday and one died on Nov. 8. All but one was being treated at Midland Memorial Hospital; the other patient was being treated at Manon Park. Four were women: One was in her 100s, two were in their 80s, and was in her 50s. The men were in their 90s, 80s, and 60s. All were listed as having 'underlying health conditions.'”

In addition, Midland City Council will be voting on a mask ordinance today (November 17, 2020).