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Local News

Outbreaks in Office Settings Spur MIOSHA Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 28 documented COVID-19 outbreaks in office-setting workplaces around the state. Office settings make up 5% of all documented outbreaks, and 7% of new outbreaks identified in the last week.

In a press conference last week, Governor Whitmer said that MIOSHA would be, “increasing its scrutiny on the remote work policies established by the Michigan business community and, primarily, those policies that revolve around offices.”

This week MIOSHA is expected to announce a new state emphasis program for office work which will reinforce rules enacted by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on October 14th.

Whitmer said, “Under statutes, MIOSHA can cite employers, require abatement, and fine them up to $7,000 for failing to produce a remote work policy or if the employer’s preparedness and response plan is noncompliant.”

Employers must create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.

MDHHS is also reporting 8.3% of current outbreaks are in manufacturing and construction workplaces.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Stronger Together Support Groups Launched by Families Against Narcotics

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Chapter of Families Against Narcotics (FAN) has launched Stronger Together Family and Friends Support Groups. The Chapter reminds the community that while there is a viral pandemic, there is also an opioid epidemic in the area.

Addiction is considered a “family disease” because it affects the entire family and friend network of a person suffering from Substance Abuse Disorder.

Charlene Burgett, president of FAN’s Blue Water chapter said “If your loved one is battling addiction, they may be leading a destructive life. But that doesn’t mean that YOUR life has to be destroyed, too. We’re hoping to bring some calm and relief to the lives of those who need it, and teach them that self-care is not being selfish.”

The support group is meeting on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. at the Restored Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints church, located at 1404 Garfield Street, Port Huron. The group will be utilizing a unique 12-step “Family Recovery Plan” that can help individuals and families move from a life of despair to a life of hope and purpose, according to FAN.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McMorran Arena Opens for Hockey with Precautions

Port Huron, MI — It’s been a long time since the puck has dropped on the McMorran ice, but things are starting to move closer to normal at McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center in Downtown Port Huron. The ice arena has reopened to high school hockey teams and the Port Huron Prowlers could be taking to the ice this season.

The ice arena has new lights, new seats, and fresh ice; it just needs some players and fans to feel like the old days before the pandemic.

There are extensive precautions being taken to keep athletes and staff healthy. Entry procedures have been carefully constructed and include entry through the North entrance of the arena only. Players will need to scan a QR code which will link them to a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Temperatures will be taken and only those who pass the health check can enter the building.

Only players and coaches are allowed in the locker room. Kids aged ten and under can have an adult accompany them. Masks and social distancing are expected, all in an effort to keep the arena open and give the area’s youth hockey players and the professional team a chance at a real competitive season.

More information can be found at http://bit.ly/entryprocedures.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Gov Whitmer Press Conference April 6, 2020

Whitmer Signs COVID-19 Bills Into Law

Governor Whitmer signed the following bills into law that are among the Legislature’s new coronavirus legislation.

“Right now, Michigan is seeing a record number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and these bills will help us protect each other as we continue to fight this virus,” said Governor Whitmer. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families, frontline workers, and small businesses, and I will continue to do everything in my power to save lives and will work with anyone who shares those goals.”

House Bill 6137 requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to publish publicly on the DHHS website certain data regarding COVID-19 and nursing homes. The bill requires updates from DHHS on its website weekly regarding certain COVID-19 metrics and visitation policies. It also requires the publishing of historic nursing home COVID-19 data. The historic data must be published by November 15, 2020 and future data will be updated weekly beginning November 15, 2020. The bill is tied barred with Senate Bill 1094 which was recently signed by the governor. The bill was sponsored by Representative Leslie Love, D-Detroit.

House Bill 6293 codifies in law certain expanded COVID-19 testing services that Governor Whitmer provided for through executive orders. This bill allows certain volunteers and workers to help with the COVID-19 testing process under the proper supervision of qualified licensees or local health departments until June 30, 2021. The bill was sponsored by Representative Graham Filler, R-DeWitt.

House Bill 6294–6297 together  allow certain documents to be signed, witnessed and notarized electronically until December 31, 2020. The bills amend the Estates and Protected Individuals Code, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act, and the Michigan Law on Notarial Acts, respectively. The bills have largely retroactive effect from April 30, 2020 and encourage the use of electronic signatures, witnesses, and records where available. The bills were sponsored by Representative Sarah Lightner, R-Springport.

Submitted by the Governor’s Office
PJ Wallbank Springs

P.J. Wallbank Springs Named to Inc. 5000

Port Huron’s P.J. Wallbank Springs, Inc. has been named an “Inc. 5000” company for the third time. The list recognizes the fastest-growing private companies. A virtual gala was held in late October honoring the companies on the prestigious list.

P.J. Wallbank Springs, Inc. President Chris Wallbank said, “We are honored to have made the Inc. 5000 list as one of the 5,000 fastest growing organizations in the United States for the 3rd year in a row!  Accomplishing this achievement for three consecutive years would have been impossible without the determination and commitment from our employees. Our employees are what truly sets us apart from other companies and they are what makes achievements like this possible.”

The Port Huron company manufactures spring packs, which are a vital component of automatic transmissions. They export around half of their products and hold the competitive edge with their proprietary manufacturing equipment.

Mr. Wallbank added that he is always looking to hire great people. More information can be found at www.pjws.com/careers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bluewater Area COVID-19 Update

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases as of November 6, 2020 at  8:30 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 197,806 confirmed cases; 7,470 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 1,664 confirmed cases; 64 deaths
  • Ontario: 80,690 confirmed cases;  3,195 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 375 confirmed cases; 25 deaths

As of today, St. Clair County has 814 active cases of the virus, and 7% of hospital beds in the county are being used for COVID-19 patients. This is an increase of over 600 active cases since our last report, and the highest number of hospitalizations reported since the beginning of the pandemic. Five deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 since our last report on October 14, 2020.

The St. Clair County Health Department is encouraging the public to take advantage of one of their community flu clinics which are happening next week on November 9th & 10th. More information is available at www.scchealth.co.

Lambton County currently has 6 active cases. Health officials recommend good hygiene, sanitization of frequently touched surfaces, and mask wearing for individuals who are caring for a COVID-19 infected person in their household.

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand