Millions of Free KN95 Masks Being Distributed

If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on a bigger and better face mask, there are now millions for the taking in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be distributing KN95 masks through community organizations, health departments, and Area Agency on Aging offices. The thicker and tighter fitting masks are thought to be superior to medical masks and cloth masks at fighting the latest strain, Omicron, of the Covid-19 virus.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “We are urging Michiganders to mask up to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19. Wearing masks are important in helping limit the spread of COVID-19, particularly the easily spread omicron and delta variants.”

In addition to the MDHHS masks, there are 400 million free masks being distributed throughout the country to stores like CVS, Meijer, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lower State Taxes Could Be on the Horizon

Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit could be increasing and the Retirement Tax could be going away. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the plans in her State of the State address last week, admitting that it will take bipartisan cooperation to get the job done.

The Earned Income Tax Credit proposal would increase to $3000 for an estimated 730,000 Michiganders. Whitmer said that the increase has the potential to lift over 22,000 Michiganders out of poverty and could affect nearly half of the kids in Michigan with increased earnings for their families.

The proposed repeal of the Retirement Tax would save about a half-million households $1000, according to Whitmer. Proponents of the plan say that the repeal of the tax initiated by former Governor Rick Snyder would make Michigan the first “age-friendly” state in the U.S.

Whitmer, nearing the end of her first term and gearing up for a re-election campaign, will have to work with the Republican-led state legislature, who have also expressed interest in lowering the tax burden for Michigan taxpayers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Legislation, AG investigation Could Lower Price of Insulin

Insulin is not optional for those who are managing diabetes. Prices have been going up, causing hardship for those who depend on the medicine to survive.

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation into the Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company, invoking the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to target “grossly excessive prices”, according to a release from Nessel’s office.

Part of the action is a reconsideration of two Michigan Supreme Court rulings that limit the use of the Consumer Protection Act. A change to the rulings will allow Nessel to devote the Consumer Oversight Division to the investigation.

In explaining the action, Nessel said, “The average out-of-pocket cost of a single vial of insulin is nearing $100. No Michigander should have to face that kind of cost for life-saving medicine. While drug companies profit off of people’s health, they also benefit from a current market in which they control the pricing. Enough is enough.”

Several bills are currently making their way through the legislature that would cap the cost of insulin at $50 per month per user.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rep. Beeler’s Statement on Governor’s Address

Submitted by State Rep. Andrew Beeler, R-Port Huron:

“One term can make quite a difference in how a governor wants to be perceived. Three years removed from her failed proposal for a massive gas tax increase, two years removed from adding debt without the Legislature, and less than one year removed from draconian health department orders, we are seeing a new Gov. Whitmer.

“The frustrating hypocrisy of her claim to be focused on ‘kitchen table issues’ was on full display. Michigan families in Sanilac and St. Clair counties don’t ask for government subsidies for big businesses at the table; they talk about the thousands of dollars Whitmer’s unemployment agency is demanding; they talk about the failure of leadership of the health department in failing to track thousands of nursing home deaths; and they talk about how expensive their heating bill will be without Line 5.

“For months, the governor openly opposed the small-business support that she took credit for last night. She has fought the legislature on broadening Michigan’s toolkit to make our economy better for small businesses. She has vetoed common-sense tax cuts for businesses. To quote the governor herself, ‘You can listen to what someone says, but to know the truth — watch what they do.’”

Local EMS Services Make Plans to Address Staffing Shortages

EMS service is at a crossroads, according to Tri-Hospital EMS CEO Ken Cummings. The pandemic shut down many EMT and paramedic training programs and many of them have never resumed business. There are no new graduates to fill the positions for ambulance service providers.

Cummings said that at this point service in St. Clair County has not been affected, but that there have been widespread reports of impacts to service in other areas of the state. Tri-Hospital EMS is down ten or twelve employees but has been making it work.

Ambulance, Fire Chief, and EMS trade associations have asked the legislature and the governor to provide at least $20 million for training programs. Cummings said that is only part of the solution.

Cummings said that increasing wages to make the career attractive to prospective EMTs and paramedics is critical. He is working with local officials to draft language for an emergency services public millage ballot proposal for the August election.

Cummings said that voter support of the millage will solidify ambulance service in the area by ensuring long-term funding.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Short Supply

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department:

Since November 2020, monoclonal antibody therapy has been a safe and highly effective treatment for high-risk individuals who are experiencing mild to moderately severe COVID-19.

The FDA recently announced that Sotrovimab is currently the only remaining effective monoclonal antibody treatment against the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Sotrovimab is currently in short supply across the United States, including Michigan and therefore, strict criteria for eligibility is currently in effect.

Priority eligibility criteria for therapeutics, including antiviral medication and monoclonal antibody therapy will remain in effect until supply is able to meet demand and will be periodically reviewed as appropriate:

  • Any age (per applicable EUA or FDA approval) with a moderate to severe immunocompromised condition regardless of vaccine status or

  • Age>75 YO and not up to date on COVID vaccines or
  •  Age 65-74 YO, not up to date on COVID vaccines, and with MI priority risk factor as described above or
  • Pregnant and not up to date on COVID vaccines

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer at the St. Clair County Health Department stated, “Our local community infusion center, operated by Tri-Hospital EMS, has had to shift with this change. Quantities of Sotrovimab are limited and a strict criteria for eligibility is being used to maximize its use. We will expand this criteria as soon as possible to include a larger group of people.”  Mercatante continued, “Talk to your doctor about what treatment options are best and available for you. The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) continues to strongly recommend getting vaccinated and boosted for the best protection against the virus.”

Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call (810) 966-4163. For more COVID-19 information visit the health department website www.scchealth.co and social media @scchdmi.