Local News

 As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating its mask guidance for public settings, including school settings, to reflect that Michigan is entering a post-surge, recovery phase.

Moving forward, the COVID-19 cycle can be broken down into three key phases:

• Response – Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge.The public may be advised to increase masking, testing and social distancing.
• Recovery – Post-surge. No immediate resurgence predicted. Local and state public health will monitor conditions that could lead to future surges.
• Readiness – A surge in cases is expected, with implications on severity of illness and hospital capacity. Increased communication to the public regarding possible new risks.

Currently, decreases in cases and hospitalizations and increased access to vaccines, testing and treatment indicate that Michigan is entering a post-surge, recovery phase of the cycle. 

During this phase, MDHHS recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, continue to practice universal masking in high-risk congregate settings including long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, jails and health care facilities. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should also wear a mask during isolation and quarantine periods to stop further community spread of COVID-19.  

School districts and organizations should consider local conditions and work with their local health department to determine mask policies for school districts, public meetings and large events. Masks are an important tool in mitigating spread of COVID-19 and individuals who may be at higher risk of infection or who feel better protected when masked should choose when they feel comfortable masking.

“This is good news for Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “While Michigan hasn’t had statewide mask policies since last June, this updated guidance will underscore that we are getting back to normal. Let’s keep working together to build on our momentum so we can keep our kids learning in person.”

“Individuals and families should assess their own risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission and make choices about when it makes sense to wear masks,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We want to make sure individuals and local communities have the information and tools they need to make choices for their families based on their personal situation and local community conditions. We continue to strongly urge all residents ages 5 and older get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine and to get boosted when eligible as the vaccine continues to be our best defense against the virus.”

Today’s announcement follows Governor Whitmer’s signing of the bipartisan $1.2 billion supplemental funding bill, which includes $150.8 million for testing and screenings in schools so kids can continue safely learning in-person.

Michiganders should consider their individual and family members’ risk factors and vaccination status when making the personal decision whether to mask. Those with chronic illnesses or who are immunocompromised are at higher risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19 and would benefit most from masking in indoor settings. These risk factors may include age, medical conditions and vaccination status.

MDHHS will continue to monitor the transmission of COVID-19 closely to assess risk across the state and adjust as conditions change. These changes could include the presence of a new variant that increases the risk to the public, or an increased number of cases that strains the health care system. 

MDHHS continues to recommend the use of layered mitigation strategies for Michiganders:  

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19.Michiganders should get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about vaccines and when you’re up to date at gov/COVIDVaccine. 
• After testing positive for COVID-19, individuals are encouraged to talk to their doctors about whether they meet eligibility criteria and should get antibody or antiviral treatment to help with their recovery.  
• Isolation and Quarantine.Staying away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19 are important tools to preventing further spread of the virus. Learn more about what happens when you have or are exposed to COVID-19 
• Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms.Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others while you wait for your test result. Testing before unmasked gatherings provides an additional layer of protection.  Find a test site at gov/CoronavirusTest.
• Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. For additional guidance on mitigation strategies see How to Protect Yourself and Others.  
• Get a free mask. Free KN95 masks are being distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices. Residents who want masks can obtain masks from partner agencies across the state. Michiganders are asked to refer to partner websites or social media sites to find out about mask availability as opposed to calling sites.

Submitted by MDHHS

A donation from the James C. Acheson Foundation will help Marwood Nursing and Rehab develop their Occupational Therapy Training Room as part of their Rehabilitation Gym project.

The total cost of the gym project is around $100,000 and the $20,000 from the Acheson Foundation will specifically help patients who are trying to recover their ability to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapy helps people develop strength or learn adapted techniques to eat, get dressed, and do household chores.

Marwood has been raising money for improvements through regular donations and special events like Men & Women Who Cook. They have made many improvements to their care facility including updates to furniture, flooring, and patient rooms.

The Rehabilitation Gym Project is a major step toward improving patient care by creating simulated spaces that help patients develop their skills in a home-like atmosphere.

Brian Oberly, Administrator at Marwood, said, “Most of the residents who are placed at Marwood, begin their stay as a rehab patient.  Because this is the most used area in our facility, there is a significant need to improve the aesthetics and amenities.  The Acheson Foundation is helping Marwood patients reach their full potential during their recovery journey by providing them with new and improved equipment and amenities.”

To support the Rehabilitation Gym Project, visit https://www.mclaren.org/marwood/marwood-nursing

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

The Port Huron City Council had their regular meeting on Monday night and approved a couple of liquor licenses, made appointments, and unanimously accepted a list of goals and resolutions for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Liquor licenses were approved for the Rockin’ the Rivers event, a summer music series that takes place at Keifer Park, and The Hallway Headquarters, for a Tavern license for their property at 1219 Military Street also known as Foundry.

Andrew Kercher, current Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums, was appointed to the Port Huron Housing Commission, and Korissa Wilkins and Wendy Krabach were reappointed to the Downtown Development Authority. Wilkins and Krabach’s terms will expire in 2026.

The City Council also adopted a list of goals and priorities that included improving neighborhoods and addressing blight, relocating or refurbishing fire stations, making improvements to the Conner Street Corridor, attracting small businesses and tourism to the area, and improving communication to the city’s residents.

The proposed use of American Rescue Plan funding in the form of a $415,215.00  grant to Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center was also adopted unanimously.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Michigan’s gray wolves were taken off of the endangered species list, but are now back on the list, thanks to a ruling from the U.S. District Court. That means that hunting the wolves is prohibited.

Michigan was part of an amicus brief that fought the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s delisting of the wolf. The brief argued that delisting was contrary to the Endangered Species Act and would be detrimental to gray wolf populations.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel commented on the ruling, saying, “Michigan is proud to be home to approximately 700 gray wolves.  These magnificent animals serve important roles in our Great Lakes ecosystems, and they show us that dedication to family is not unique to humans.”

Nessel said that she “refused to stand idly by when the federal government tried to use the Great Lakes wolf recovery success story to remove needed Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in other states.”

The vacating of the previous ruling keeps protections in place for Michigan wolves. Killing a gray wolf can only be done for immediate threats and needs to be reported to the DNR.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland