David Miller, M.D. is part of the team of Michigan Medicine doctors who have been working daily to plan for the hospital’s response to COVID-19.

“This is a marathon and not a sprint,” says Miller, a urologist and leader with Michigan Medicine's emergency response team. “Here at Michigan Medicine, we’re doing all we can to plan for patients and you can help us by following this advice. Together we’ll get through this.”

Following Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “stay home, stay safe” executive order Monday, Miller shared his top three messages with the community.

1. Take the executive order seriously

“One of best strategies we have for managing this pandemic is to stay home,” Miller says. “Keeping distance from others will help limit the spread of the disease and will help all of us get through this together as safely as possible.”

2. Call your doctor first

Unless you are showing serious symptoms like shortness of breath or a high fever, don’t rush to the emergency room. “If you think you have COVID-19, please start by calling your doctor or local health department. In many cases, these infections can be safely managed at home. If you go to the emergency room immediately, there’s a risk of exposing others.”

3. Stay connected

Social distancing isn’t the same as social isolation. It’s important to your health to stay as connected as possible through phone calls and technology. “Call your parents. Check in on a neighbor or relative. Stay in touch with friends through Skype or Facebook,” Miller says. “We know staying at home and practicing social distancing is not easy. It’s important that we stay connected with others and maintain our relationships.”