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Local News

App Developed to Keep Track of COVID-19 Outbreaks

Michigan — Businesses have to comply with Executive Orders that require monitoring of employees’ health in order to try to keep COVID-19 infection rates under control. Now, there’s an app for that.

The State of Michigan has launched the MI Symptoms Web Application. While anyone can use it, the tool is intended for employers and employees to enter information daily to both identify symptoms for their own safety and for local and state public health officials to collect and analyze the data. The data will be used to identify potential outbreaks of COVID-19.

The app was developed by state agencies and the University of Michigan School of Public Health and College of Engineering. According to a press release from the state, “U-M and MDHHS are using robust security, along with continuous monitoring services, to protect individual’s private symptom data and other personal information. MI Symptoms does not track users through their phone using Bluetooth or GPS.”

The data will be aggregated in the MI Safe Start Map dashboard, which is one of the main data drivers behind the steps to reengage Michigan’s economy. More information can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

City of Port Huron MOC to Reopen to the Public – Parks & Rec Opening Rec Areas

Port Huron, MI — The Municipal Office Center (MOC) will reopen to the public on June 8, 2020. Residents are still encouraged to conduct business via mail, online, and drive-thru services. Visitors are asked to wear masks and social distance while in the building and refrain from visiting if they have had a fever or systems of COVID-19.

Over the next 14 days, Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department will begin opening splash pads, playgrounds, basketball courts, restrooms and other recreational facilities. However, city pools will remain closed this summer. The aquatics program requires over 100 seasonal workers that were not hired for the season, so they are unable to open the pool in safe manner on such short notice.

James Freed, Port Huron City Manager said in a press release, “This is disappointing as we brought these operational pool concerns to state officials more than a month ago.” He also asks residents to use common sense and follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and hand washing when using any city facilities or assets.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

United Way Emergency Services Fund Helps Hunter Hospitality House Reopen Safely

Port Huron, MI — United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) announces the granting of funds for Hunter Hospitality House (HHH) through their Emergency Services Fund ~ COVID-19 Relief Aid. 

The grant provided disposable gloves and face masks for HHH’s staff, volunteers, and guests to help them remain as safe as possible from the COVID-19 pandemic.  UWSCC supports the plan HHH has implemented to assure their guests, staff, and volunteers remain healthy while in their homes.

HHH is an Affiliated Organization of UWSCC.  They provide free lodging to adults who have a loved one hospitalized or at a local medical facility like Blue Water Hospice, are experiencing outpatient treatment of their own, or are in need of a place to stay the night before a surgery or medical procedure. They are able to offer their services because of their many volunteers and supporters.

COVID-19 funds cannot be used for individuals seeking financial support at this time. UWSCC recommends all individuals with any type of need to dial 2-1-1, or (888) 636-4211, to be connected with available information and resources.  Please remember, many organizations have staff working from home and require individuals to leave a phone message.  Visit uwstclair.org/HealthFirst for more household resources.

Salvation Army Family Store Open and Taking Donations

Port Huron, MI — Those of you who spent your quarantine cleaning out your closets, basements, and attics, probably accumulated quite a pile of items ready to donate to charities. If you need a place to take them, the Salvation Army Family Store in Port Huron is ready for your donations.

The Family Store at 729 Howard Street is open from 10 AM – 6 PM each day and takes donations from 10 AM – 5 PM. Items can be dropped off at their drive thru door located behind the store. For safety reasons, they ask that no children be brought to the donation center and that visitors wear masks and observe social distancing.

All donations must be unloaded from your vehicle yourself, as they are limiting contact with their staff. There are also no pick ups available at this time.

Shoppers can follow similar safety measures when shopping inside the store. Staff explained that donations are held in the back for a few days before making their way into the store, and customers will have to load larger items, like furniture, themselves.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Sarnia Transit Reinstates Fares

Sarnia City Council voted to reinstate bus fares, on June 15, 2020. During the Declaration of Emergency, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the standard $3.00 fare will be reduced to $1.50. Passengers are expected to pay every time they board a bus.

To ensure passenger and employee safety, no transfers will be issued to minimize physical interaction. All transit fare prices are listed on the City’s website, along with prorated pass prices for June 2020.

In April 2020, Sarnia Transit began operating a Sunday level bus service from Monday to Saturday. This schedule will continue, and they encourage passengers to physically distance while travelling for essential purposes and discourage non-essential trips.

The modified weekday bus schedule will still begin at 6:30 AM, and evening service will continue to operate. No changes are being made to existing Sunday bus service or start time. Additional information is available online: https://www.sarnia.ca/transit-updates/

St. Clair County 4-H Fair Going Virtual

St. Clair County, MI — For 82 years the St Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair has brought fun, excitement and entertainment to the St Clair County area. Each year the fair attracts over 100,000 people to the event held at Goodells County Park.

The fair will still be held this year, but rather than enjoying the spacious grounds at Goodells County Park, the event will now be held virtually. Young people will still show their projects and animals, have them judged, and livestock will still be sold. Government restrictions have forced this move.

“It was a difficult decision for our board. It certainly saddens us not being able to meet up this year, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair. Our hearts go out to our exhibitors who look forward to the fair as one of the highlights of their year.” said Fair President Rob Usakowski

Governor Whitmer’s Reopening Michigan Plan does not list measurable criteria, which makes it difficult for fairs to assess the likelihood of putting on such events. Combined with the fact that St Clair County is grouped in a region with Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, it was even less likely that the fair could have proceeded as a live event.

“Its been difficult planning for this year. We basically planned for two events, one live and one virtual, while researching every possible means of conducting some sort of hybrid cross between, live and virtual. Our goal is to make the fair the best event possible event for our exhibitors whether its live or virtual. It certainly won’t be the same experience, but we hope to make it as enjoyable as possible” Usakowski added.

The fair has already set its dates for 2021. It will be held July 19-24, 2021.