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Local News

COVID-19 Vaccination Accelerates in Blue Water Area

As the state prepares to move to the second phase of vaccinating the public against COVID-19, area health care workers and companies want to share their vaccine experience and plans with the public.

The Blue Water Immunization Partnership is a nonprofit dedicated to providing science-based education about immunizations to the community. The head of the organization, and a local pharmacist, Jim Kaski, received his vaccine last week.

In a press release, Kaski said, “I want our community to know that pharmacists in our community believe this vaccine is safe and it is important to receive if citizens wish to someday soon be able to gather together safely and resume life as we remember it prior to the pandemic.”

Marwood Manor will begin vaccinating its residents and staff today. They are collaborating with Walgreens to administer the shot to almost 200 people.

Brian Oberly, Marwood administrator, said “Having the opportunity to help put an end to this devastating virus is truly a blessing.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Good2Go Campaign Supports Restaurants

Since indoor dining has been restricted, many residents have been looking for ways to support their favorite restaurants. Now, thanks to the City of Port Huron’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and downtown merchants, there is a new incentive to grab some take out.

The Good2Go Takeout Challenge runs until the end of January and participants have a chance to win gift cards from downtown shops every Friday.

Participating is easy; simply order takeout from a downtown restaurant, snap a photo of your takeout, and publicly post it to social media with the #downtownporthuron. The DDA will do a gift card drawings on Friday the 15th, 22nd, and 29th.

Participating restaurants:

Good2Go Participating Restaurants

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Health Dept. Asks for Patience With Vaccine Distribution

The St. Clair County Health Department is currently working on completing vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced yesterday those in Phase 1B and Phase 1C Group A are eligible to receive the vaccine starting January 11th. However, at this time, the Health Department does not have sufficient vaccine supply for all individuals in these groups.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, stated “We estimate approximately 50,000-60,000 residents will be eligible for vaccination following the State’s updated guidance. We have to prioritize groups due to limited vaccine availability. We ask for the public’s patience as we work to ensure equitable distribution of these scarce resources. As vaccine supply increases, we will expand vaccination opportunities to meet our community’s needs.”

Current St. Clair County prioritization plan;

  • Continue vaccinating those in Phase 1A
  • Individuals ages 65+ should schedule an appointment via the Health Department website www.scchealth.co. Please note appointments are first come, first served. No walk-ins. As vaccine supply increases, additional clinics will be scheduled. Check the website regularly for updated information.
  • Additionally, the Health Department is working to schedule select frontline essential workers for upcoming vaccination clinics. Eligible employees will receive a link to scheduling their appointment directly from their employer.

Clinics for next week are already booked, and the health department asks that the public not show up unexpectedly for the vaccine. Vaccine supply is limited throughout the state and more appointments will become available when the supply increases.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Further information will be shared when updates are available. Visit the health department website at www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Next Phase of Vaccination Includes Teachers, 65+, and More

The race is on to get COVID-19 vaccines distributed to the state’s population. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a goal of vaccinating 70% of the population over age 16 as soon as possible and is moving into the next phase of vaccination.

Three times as many vaccines were administered last week as the previous week and that pace is expected to increase. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the MDHHS said, “The more people that are vaccinated, the less spread we will have, the fewer deaths and the quicker we can get back to a sense of normalcy. With a new variant of the virus in the United States, one that may be easier to spread than the current variant, there is more urgency than ever to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.”

Michigan is opening up vaccination to the next group of eligible recipients, which include Michiganders age 65 and older, frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff, and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Icebreaking Season has Begun

The Canadian Coast Guard has announced that the annual icebreaking season is now underway on the Great Lakes. The practice provides assistance to the international shipping industry by clearing the way for freighters. The Canadian Coast Guard works in partnership with the United States Coast Guard District 9.

The Canadian Coast Guard has two icebreakers in service, the CCGS Griffon and the CCGS Samuel Risley. The season has been affected by the pandemic, with the Coast Guard making adjustments to procedure as needed to prevent the spread of the virus while still maintaining normal levels of operation.

According to the CCG, “Although the St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal and Sault Ste. Marie Locks are closed during the winter months, shipping is still active on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways, including Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River, Lake Huron, St. Marys River, and Georgian Bay.”

The Canadian Coast Guard is in constant contact with mariners through Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Sarnia, Ontario and Prescott, Ontario. Last year, they responded to 80 ice-breaking requests.

Reporting at WGRT – Jennie McClelland

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Wraps Up 2020 Campaign

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is grateful for the support of the community during their 2020 campaign. The campaign raised 92% of their target goal and closed with $1,753,000 in donations.

“Despite not reaching the Needs Target, we were overwhelmed with the generosity of  our community during the year,” said Vicky Ducharme, campaign chair. “We faced  uncertainty around each corner of the campaign but with the help of volunteers,  donors, and workplaces we will continue to help Lambton County’s youth, families and  seniors.”  

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton funds over 36 programs and services provided by 18 agencies. Donations can always be made to support their programs at www.theunitedwat.on.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand