George James

MDHHS Updates School Quarantine Guidance

New school quarantine and isolation guidance was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service late Monday.

The updated guidance reflects the updates by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. The updates allow students and staff to return to school sooner than previously recommended.

Now, school students and staff who test positive with no symptoms should monitor for symptoms from the day of exposure through day 10 of isolation and isolate at home for 5 days. Day “0” is the day symptoms begin or the day test was taken for students, teachers & staff who do not have symptoms.

Those who test positive can return to school if symptoms have improved or they continue to have no symptoms and must wear a well-fitting mask for days 6-10. If unwilling or unable to wear a mask, they should stay home for a full ten days.

Close contacts don’t need to quarantine if they just had covid within the past 90 days or are fully vaccinated. They should still monitor for symptoms.

A link to the full guidance, including symptoms to watch for, can be found at the link below.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/MI_Safer_Schools_Guidance_for_Managing_Students_Exposed_to_COVID-19_734750_7.pdf?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair’s Icy Bazaar Brings Ice Carving and Entertainment January 21-23

St. Clair will be embracing the cold with the Icy Bazaar on January 21st through 23rd. The festival will be held in the St. Clair Riverview Plaza Courtyard. 

St. Clair’s Icy Bazaar will feature live ice carvings done by Kaitlin Pfropper, who has competed in World Ice Championships in Alaska and Yellowknife, Canada carving huge sculptures from giant ice blocks. This is Kaitlin’s third year at the St. Clair festival. 

The Icy Bazaar will have creative craft vendors, food and drink specials, live entertainment, and fireworks. 

The music lineup has been published with Ryan Beaudry kicking off the entertainment starting at 5:00 on Friday, January 21st, followed by Alter Ego, then Los Gringos playing until midnight. 

Saturday’s entertainment starts at 2:00 in the afternoon with Greg Hind, followed by Paul and Oates, and headlining with The Gobies playing until midnight. 

Sunday features the Meldrum Brothers playing from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

St. Clair’s Icy Bazaar is hosted by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. 

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Antiviral Covid Pills Being Sent to Pharmacies

As covid infections continue to surge in Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it is starting to receive shipments of the new oral medications to combat the virus.

The drugs Paxlovid and Molnupiravir have been given emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration.

The drugs can be prescribed by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant. The medications are intended for use in outpatient settings for mild to moderate symptoms of infection with covid-19.

The medicine needs to be administered within five days of onset of symptoms for effectiveness. The treatment has helped to reduce symptoms and lessen the risk of hospitalization or emergency care for those who are experiencing mild or moderate symptoms.

Michigan has a limited supply of the medication, which has been sent to some Meijer pharmacies and other health centers. Monoclonal antibody therapy is still a recommended option for those with symptoms and priority eligibility criteria have been established for both treatments.

Eligibility criteria and prescribing requirements for the antivirals.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Presents MLK Day Celebration “Where Are We Now?” Jan. 17

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed in Port Huron with a celebration hosted by St. Clair County Community College. The “Where Are We Now?” event will be held on Monday, January 17th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre on the main campus.

Dr. King’s legacy will be celebrated with songs, dance, and videos. There will also be a selection of Dr. King’s own words shared with the audience.

There will be panel discussions about health care disparities and racism and investing in small businesses. There will also be a discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in education, along with other topics.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Jessica Brown, who leads SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The annual event is free but reservations are required by emailing SC4. It will be live-streamed also.

Admission is free and can be reserved by emailing dei@sc4.edu. Seating is limited. Masks required inside campus buildings. The event also will be livestreamed at sc4.edu/dei-live for those unable to attend in person.

For questions, call SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at (810) 989-5564.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New License Plate Features Kirtland’s Warbler

Michigan auto-owners have a new way to support local wildlife conservation efforts. There is a new license plate option that features the Kirtland’s Warbler, a bird that was once in danger of extinction but has now been removed from the endangered species list.

Bird lovers helped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to improve the availability of the nesting habitat for the little yellow and gray songbird. The Kirtland’s warbler only nests on the ground in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario. They winter in the Caribbean.

Once down to just an estimated 400 birds, the count is now at about 4500, with ongoing habitat protection and careful management of the delicate nesting areas.

Those who purchase the special designation on their license plate will be supporting the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust. The license plate program has generated over $3.9 million since starting in 2006 with the Loon icon.

The license plate will cost $35 with $25 of the price going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland