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Local News

Legislation in the Works While U.S. Attorney Responds to Nursing Home Concerns

Port Huron, MI — Nursing homes have been the epicenters of COVID-19 virus spread, yet the practice of moving convalescent COVID-19 patients into nursing homes is actually common in Michigan. An Executive Order requires facilities to create a COVID unit if they are operating at less than 80% capacity. 

The U.S. Attorney is now investigating Michigan’s practice and state legislation is in the works to find a safer place for patients to recover. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider responded to a letter from State Senator and Majority Whip Peter J. Lucido, saying, “The protection of the life and health of the people of Michigan is a core responsibility of the United States Attorney’s Office. The residents of long-term care facilities are among our State’s most vulnerable citizens, and any concern regarding the well-being of these citizens is one that we take seriously.” 

Lucido, a Shelby Township Republican, introduced legislation last week that would ban the intentional transfer of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and would require a centralized treatment facility for recuperating patients. Lucido is hopeful of the approval of the bill, according to a press release.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

WGRT's On the Bright Side This Week's Good News

On the Bright Side May 31, 2020

In an effort to support local musicians, The Cheeky Monkey record store in Sarnia is paying the tax on sales of local talent CD’s in their store. You can help local Sarnia musicians who earn their living from touring and performing by purchasing one of their CD’s at the store which benefits musicians much more than downloading and streaming their music. The Cheeky Monkey loves their local musicians, and wants to help everyone do their part to keep the music makers making more music for everyone to enjoy.

A 3-day bottle and can drive in Sarnia raised $27,255 for The Inn of the Good Shepherd. Over 100 community volunteers collected items and sorted them for 2 weeks. The result was 146 pallets of empties which were cashed in at the Beer Store/London resulting in the generous donation to The Inn.

Organizer Melanie Rogers said, “Wow, with the support of the community, volunteers, and businesses, this is a tremendous amount for The Inn of the Good Shepherd. I am so proud of all involved. Thank you Sarnia Lambton!”

The Inn of the Good Shepherd continues to provide food, meals, and shelter to those in need during the pandemic. This donation is particularly helpful since the Inn’s many fundraisers have been cancelled or  postponed due to the pandemic.

On June 1st, Port Huron schools will have distributed over 500,000 meals to families in the community since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. The district would like to thank the tirelessly dedicated staff and volunteers who have worked to support this program. Meals are distributed Mondays and Thursdays from 10 AM – 12 noon at Garfield Elementary, the Literacy Academy at Cleveland, Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern. For additional sites and times please go to phasd.us

Farm to Family distribution is every Wednesday through June 24, starting at 9 a.m. until all boxes are gone at Central Middle School and Port Huron Northern High School.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Secretary of State Branches Reopen June 1st by Appointment Only

Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.

“While the offices were closed to the public, we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.”

Beginning the week of June 1st, all 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including:

  • Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person
  • Title transfers
  • Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing
  • Seasonal commercial vehicle renewal

Branch staff will follow strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, standing six feet apart, using desk shields, and continuously disinfecting shared or common surfaces. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times.

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update for May 29, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 29th at  9:45 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 56,014 confirmed cases; 5,372 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 422 confirmed cases; 33 deaths
  • Ontario: 26, 866  confirmed cases;  2,189 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 261 confirmed cases; 22 deaths

Confirmed Cases in St. Clair County rose by 16 last week, and the county suffered four additional deaths. There are currently 68 active cases of COVID-19 reported in St. Clair County, and 1% of all hospital beds are being used for COVID-19 patients.

As medical offices resume seeing patients for non-essential health care needs, Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, said that it’s important for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure to check in with their doctors. “Delayed healthcare typically means more complicated outcomes.”

She also recommends parents resume their child’s vaccine schedules as childhood vaccination rates for kids under 2 years old fell by 50%.

Cases in Sarnia rose by 18 since last week, and the county suffered 3 additional deaths. There are currently 2 outbreaks reported in long term care facilities in Lambton County, and 63% of the deaths reported in Ontario were of residents in long-term care facilities.

The City of Sarnia recognizes the mental and physical benefits of using local trails, parks, and beaches, and they have increased the By-Law Staff at those locations to educate the public on how to stay safe while enjoying those amenities.

*** It is important to note that WGRT is continuing to report confirmed cases from each area, not total cases which are a combination of confirmed and probable cases. We have chosen to approach the data this way to simplify our reports and to create uniformity in the numbers we are reporting for each region, St.Clair County, Lambton County, Michigan, and Ontario.

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

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Pure Michigan Business Connect Program Links Businesses to PPE

A statewide platform is being activated to connect Michigan employers with suppliers of Personal Protective Equipment. Executive orders require businesses to supply the equipment to their employees to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

This requirement is both an added expense and an added stress as the equipment can be hard to find. The Pure Michigan Business Connect program has launched the free PMBC COVID-19 Procurement Platform to connect businesses who need the PPE with the Michigan suppliers who are selling it.

Items like face masks, face shields, gloves, goggles and other materials are being manufactured by Michigan industries. The Platform was rolled out in March, but is being ramped up in response to the needs of businesses who are opening back up and working to fulfill the safety guidelines required by the state. 

According to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, over 900 companies and 1800 suppliers have registered with the portal. Businesses with needs of all types and sizes are encouraged to go to www.michiganbusiness.org/ppe to get connected to the PPE that they need to safely reopen.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vegas Back in Business June 4th

Guided by the latest CDC and government recommendations, Las Vegas will officially open for business on Thursday, June 4th. New policies and procedures have been put into place in an effort to help ensure the health and well-being of guests and staff.

Las Vegas hotels have made in an effort to lure tourists back by enhancing sanitation throughout their properties by promising daily disinfection of everything from the poker tables and slot machines to public surfaces and spaces. They are also offering complimentary care amenities like personal hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, latex gloves, and personal masks, which will be provided in every room upon check in.

Physical distancing instructions will be clearly marked in places like the front desk, elevator lobbies, and ride-share lines. When it comes to the famous Vegas buffets, most hotels and casinos have already indicated that if they re-open, buffets will come much later in the process.

Most outdoor tourist attractions will also open on June 4th, but the popular Las Vegas shows will be put off until a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn