Local News

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 13th at 5:30 PM are as follows:

• State of Michigan: 25,635 confirmed cases; 1,602 deaths
• St. Clair County: 219 confirmed cases; 6 deaths
• Ontario: 7,470 confirmed cases; 291 deaths
• Sarnia-Lambton: 118 confirmed cases; 10 deaths

Governor Whitmer’s press conference today began with a focus on data about the curve of infection. While she said the curve looks like it is beginning to flatten, she also affirmed the need to continue social distancing measures to keep it headed in that direction. Whitmer acknowledged that many people are becoming restless with her executive orders for many reasons. She spent some time expressing concern regarding those frustrations, addressing false information circulating, and even accepting her role as a target for frustration. Acknowledging a planned protest of her orders, she encouraged protestors to exercise their free speech and asked that they protest in a safe manner that won’t put first responders at risk.

Several things have been put in place to increase healthcare options, access to testing, and PPE. On the issue of restarting the economy and opening things back up, four primary factors are being considered:

• Sustained reduction in case counts
• Enhanced ability to test and trace
• Sufficient health care capacity
• Best practices for the workplace

The City of Sarnia has received around 400 complaints of people not following social distancing directives. While they appreciate the tips due to the importance of the directives, they would like to remind residents that The Provincial Orders on social distancing do not include restrictions on walking through or using portions of park and recreational areas that are not otherwise closed and that do not contain outdoor recreational amenities including; sports fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and community gardens.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Auto insurer Allstate is returning money to customers as widespread shutdowns across the U.S. from the coronavirus cut down on driving. Allstate expects to give back more than $600 million, with personal auto customers receiving 15% of their monthly premium in April and May.

Allstate Chief Executive Officer Tom Wilson said, “This is fair because less driving means fewer accidents because states across the U.S. have issued stay-at-home mandates to help slow the spread of coronavirus.” Meghan Cass, Allstate Spokesperson, told WGRT, “We have learned that the best response during a crisis is to act quickly and put people first. It’s at times like these, when communities across the country need us most, that we are here for them.”

Shelter-in-Place Payback payments will go to all US and Canadian customers with personal auto insurance. Allstate customers who are having financial problems because of a loss of income can inquire about delayed premium payments.  Local Allstate Agent Rusty Fournier told WGRT that if customers have any questions they can call his office at 810-982-2340.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Bluewater Health in Sarnia and Lambton College are preparing to change the school’s West and East Gymnasiums into a 150-bed field hospital as part of a provincial call to action for “next level” pandemic preparedness. This provides Bluewater Health with space should the hospital require additional capacity.

The hospital is currently running at 55% capacity. At this point, there are approximately 40 beds in use for COVID patients; the hospital has a capacity of over 300 beds, and can over-bed with an additional 84 beds.

Mike Lapaine, President & CEO, Bluewater Health said, “We are preparing for a possible patient influx and creating capacity to care for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton.” Bluewater Health has secured the Lambton College location to ensure that an offsite location is available should the unlikely event happen that the hospital is unable to deal with the volume of all ill patients, COVID and non-COVID.

Lambton College President and CEO Judy Morris said the college was “honored” to assist Bluewater Health in its “heroic battle” against this devastating virus.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

People all around the Blue Water Area are wondering when they can expect to start receiving the Covid-19 economic impact payments. The treasury department and the IRS have reported that payments will start going out in mid-April.

The Internal Revenue Service plans to make about $60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit, beginning April 13th. The first round of payments will go to taxpayers who used direct deposit to receive a tax refund in 2018 or 2019.  Also, Social Security beneficiaries who filed federal returns that included direct deposit information will see checks appearing in their account in mid-April.

The IRS then plans to make a second round of payments, hopefully in late April, to Social Security beneficiaries who didn’t file 2018 or 2019 tax returns but receive their benefits through direct deposit. It is estimated that about 99% of Social Security beneficiaries who don’t file taxes receive payments by direct deposit. About three weeks after the first payments, approximately the week of May 4th, paper checks will begin to go out to eligible citizens starting with those with the lowest income.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers can apply for federal benefits beginning Monday, April 13 at 8AM online. Workers need to use the UIA’s daily filing schedule based on their last names. For example, last names beginning with letters A-L should start filing claims Monday. Online filing is available at www.Michigan.gov/UIA.

With so many people trying to claim unemployment benefits, Michigan is increasing both hours and staff to handle the growing demand during the coronavirus outbreak. The Michigan Unemployment Call Center has increased hours by one hour every day to 8 AM – 6 PM Monday – Friday and 7 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays.

People on hold before closing time will have their claim handled that day. Currently, there are roughly 500 staff people answering calls. The typical staff is roughly 130 employees. The state says the best way to file a claim is online at www.Michigan.gov/UIA, where the process takes on average 20-25 minutes.  People are encouraged to use off-peak times online such as 8 PM – 8 AM.  The state has also issued the following schedule for making claims:

• Last names beginning with letters A-L: file claims on Mondays, Wednesday, or Fridays.
• Last names beginning with letters M-Z: file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
• Saturdays will be available for any person desiring to file for a claim.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its April 2020 Employee of the Month, Laurie Breuier, and its April 2020 Volunteer of the Month, Kay Schnur. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high- quality care to the Blue Water Area. 

Laurie is the Lead Mammographer in the Radiology Department and has been with LHMC since 2002. She was nominated by a patient who commented, “I cannot say enough about Laurie. She is very professional, and her patient care is amazing. She treated me more like a sister than a patient. Not only did she make me comfortable during my procedure, she called me at home to check on me and even sent me a card. I was anxious leading up to my procedure, and she made me feel at ease. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate her.” 

Kay has been volunteering at the hospital since 2011 in various roles. Kay’s anonymous nomination reads: “You will find her every Monday Morning at the Greeters desk, and occasionally at The People’s Clinic. Kay excels in happiness, you will never find her in a bad mood. She is always able to find the silver lining, which makes her a hot commodity on those days when things just seem to go wrong. Her smile and optimistic attitude often change the day for the better for patients, staff, and her fellow volunteers.” 

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Laurie and Kay, as we celebrate their accomplishments. 

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.