Local News

Businesses that suffered economic impacts from the pandemic are eligible for help with the passing of the supplemental spending bill that allocates American Rescue Plan money. The Department of Treasury has been charged with disbursing the money.

The money is to go to “afflicted businesses”, which include entertainment venues, exercise facilities, food service establishments, and recreational facilities like bowling alleys and others. It also includes those businesses that were forbidden to open during the early days of the pandemic like hair salons, plant nurseries, and others.

The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County is keeping an eye on the development of the required website and application process that will be rolled out by the Department of Treasury. The EDA advises that there are specific rules laid out in the legislation as to who gets the money and how much they get.

Applications for the relief money are due April 1st, 2022 with the grants being paid out by July 1, 2022, according to the legislation.

A link to more information can be found at WGRT.com.

https://edascc.com/covid19/funding-financial-relief-resources/

As the holidays approach, McLaren Port Huron is easing visitor restrictions effective Monday, December 20. Visiting hours will remain from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visiting guidelines include:

• Visitors must be over age 18.
• Visitors should remain with the patient in their room, unless asked otherwise by the clinical team.
• All visitors will be screened when entering the hospital to verify they do not have signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times and should remain with the patient, unless asked otherwise by the clinical team.
• No visitors are allowed for patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, including in the Emergency Room.

Exceptions include:

• Mental Health: Visiting hours are Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.; one visitor per patient is allowed.

In recognition of how important it is for patients and families to be together over the holidays, on Christmas Eve and Christmas (December 24 and 25), COVID patients can have one visitor at a time.

We will continue to monitor and assess visitation policies. For the most updated information, visit mclaren.org/phvisitors. The goal is to protect patients, their families and the McLaren Port Huron health care team.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron Hospital

President Biden signed H.R. 5142 into law on December 16th, which will posthumously award the Congressional Medal of Honor to the 13 service members who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

The bill was introduced and passed in the House and Senate earlier this year, and it was introduced in the House by local Congresswoman Lisa McClain.

“I’m glad these fallen service members will finally receive the recognition they deserve for their bravery and sacrifice for our country,” said Rep. McClain. “Thank you to the 326 House members and 68 Senators who cosponsored this legislation and helped it quickly become law.”

Of the 13 service members lost on August 26th,  11 were Marines, 1 was an Army soldier, and 1 belonged to the Navy.

• David L. Espinoza – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
• Nicole L. Gee – Marine Corps Sgt.
• Darin T. Hoover – Marine Corps Staff Sgt.
• Ryan C. Knauss – Army Staff Sgt.
• Hunter Lopez – Marine Corps Cpl.
• Rylee J. McCollum – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
• Dylan R. Merola – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
• Kareem M. Nikoui – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
• Johanny Rosario Pichardo – Marine Corps Sgt.
• Humberto A. Sanchez – Marine Corps Cpl.
• Jared M. Schmitz – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
• Maxton W. Soviak – Navy Hospital Corpsman
• Daegan W. Page – Marine Corps Cpl.

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) issued streamlined quarantine recommendations designed to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 within the community, while reducing disruptions to everyday life. The following guidance is universal and is applicable to everyone within the county including those in work and school settings.

Quarantine is a strategy used to slow the spread of disease. Individuals who are exposed to the virus are recommended to quarantine, while those sick with COVID-19 are advised to isolate for 10 days at home.

“These updated recommendations will offer the community increased flexibility and choice when faced with a COVID-19 exposure” stated Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer at the St. Clair County Health Department. “We are trying to slow virus transmission while also recognizing the need for society to function so essential services and needs can be met. It is a delicate balance and one we think is reflected well in the latest recommendations.”

Prevention remains key in controlling the spread of COVID-19. A layered approach should be followed to ensure a healthy environment, allowing all St. Clair County residents the best chance to remain healthy. Such an approach should include the following mitigation measures:

• Receive the COVID-19 vaccine (and booster if applicable)
• Wear a face mask while indoors or in crowded outdoor settings
• Wash hands frequently
• Maintain a distance of six feet from others
• Enhance ventilation systems within buildings
• Stay home when sick and get tested for COVID-19
• Adhere to isolation and quarantine protocols as recommended

Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department