The City of Sterling Heights is taking a proactive approach to learning more and educating residents about Coronavirus.
Activities include providing information regarding ways the public can help prevent exposure, engaging in a White House briefing and hosting a forum of community leaders to discuss the latest updates and best practices.
The City has published to its website several ways residents can help reduce exposure, including frequent hand washing and social distancing through access to e-government capabilities. A list including dozens of ways residents can digitally transact business with the City covers everything from paying taxes and bills online to pulling permits and licensing online and even checking out books and movies from the library or getting help with their homework over the internet.
In addition, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, City Manager Mark Vanderpool, Fire Chief Chris Martin and Community Relations Director Melanie Davis will be joining a White House briefing on Wednesday, March 11 to gather up-to-date information and guidance including preventing community spread and resources for both health care and communication to residents.
Lastly, the City will be co-hosting a Coronavirus Community Leaders Forum on Wednesday, March 18, 6-7:30 pm. At the forum, presentations will be made by representatives from Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, McLaren Macomb and Beaumont. Other perspectives will be shared by Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, Sterling Heights Fire Chief Chris Martin, Sterling Heights Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski, Utica Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns, Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Livernois and Macomb County Health Director Bill Ridella. The forum will be shared on Facebook Live, and residents are encouraged to view the forum and post any questions they might have which forum moderators will share with panelists in real time.
“From what we know at this time, the virus seems to spread mainly from close person-to-person contact,” said Community Relations Director Melanie Davis. “So we want to make sure our residents feel in control by frequently providing them the most up-to-date information while also giving them the ability to get their questions answered and take care of any city business they might have while still practicing social distancing if necessary.”
The City’s website (sterling-heights.net) and social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, will be populated with new information as it becomes available.