Closings for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Closings for Wednesday, February 17th

St. Clair County:

Algonac Community Schools

Capac Community Schools

East China School District

East Shore Leadership Academy

Holy Cross Catholic

Marysville Public Schools

Memphis Community Schools

New Life Christian Academy

Port Huron Area School District – Closed for all students both Hybrid and Virtual – no Zooms

St. Clair TEC

St. Clair County CMH: St. Clair County Community Mental Health will be open. However, its CIS program closed. There will be no agency transportation available. Employees are to report to work.

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy

Yale School District

 

 

 

Sanilac County

Brown City Schools

Carsonville – Port Sanilac

Croswell-Lexington Schools

Peck Community Schools

Sanilac Career Center & Special Ed

 

New COVID Variant Identified in St. Clair County

A case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in St. Clair County. The individual has been in isolation and close contacts quarantined since initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Variant identification is learned after (initial COVID -19 diagnosis) further testing of the specimen.

The individual who tested positive is in their 70’s with no current travel history. Symptoms are mild and hospitalization is not needed at this time.

The COVID-19 virus, as expected with a coronavirus, has changed over the past year. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant originated in the United Kingdom and has been found throughout the United States, with the first case in Michigan recorded in January. The B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious. However, there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the original strain.

“Since the variant is more contagious, the virus could potentially infect more people with less exposure”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department. “Which is why it is imperative our community strengthen prevention measures by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.”

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant B.1.1.7:

  • Wear a face mask around others
  • Keep at least 6 feet apart from others
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Avoid crowded areas or gatherings
  • Ventilate indoor spaces if around others
  • Seek testing if ill, exposed, or after travel
  • Follow isolation or quarantine guidance if ill, exposed, or waiting on test results
  • Get vaccinated when vaccine becomes available to you

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

4-H Auction Raises Support for 4-H Clubs and Charity

The St. Clair County 4-H Council Virtual online Auction will be Thursday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. and go through Saturday the 27th at 1:00 p.m. at this link Virtual 4-H Auction site  Items can be, safe no contact, picked up at the Fair Office in Marysville on February 27 from 2pm – 6pm and February 28 from 9am – noon.    Exact cash or check payment only.

It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of 4-H by bidding on some great items that have been donated. 50% of the proceeds go back to 4-H clubs that secure the items and 50% will go to a local food pantry or charity with the greatest need.

4-H provides fun, educational opportunities that become the foundation for a lifetime of success.  Program areas ranging from science and technology to clothing and textiles, and so much more are available to our youth.  You have an opportunity to support the St. Clair County 4-H Program by bidding this annual auction.

Some items include: Top Bar Beehive, grow unit and supplies to start your garden, art and craft items, gift baskets, and many other items too.

For donations or questions, please contact the MSU Extension office at (810) 989-6935 and ask for Lori Warchuck.

Submitted by St. Clair County 4-H Council

Dr. Reddy & Dr. Mercatante Receive Nasr Award for Community Service

The St. Clair County Medical Society (SCCMS) awards its prestigious Dr. Bassam Nasr Community Service Leader Award each year, and the 2021 honorees are Dr. Sushma Reddy and Dr. Annette Mercatante.

The SCCMS is made up of physicians from around the Blue Water Area who come together for philanthropy, professional development, and socialization. The Nasr award is named after the late Dr. Bassam Nasr, a local gastroenterologist, philanthropist, and one of the co-founders of Physician Healthcare Network.

Dr. Reddy was recognized as “one of the most dedicated volunteers our medical community has ever known.” She has led community health efforts such as The Blue Water Walking Club and the Walk for Summer Reading, and she has been a volunteer at the People’s Clinic for over 15 years.

Dr. Mercatante was noted as meeting the challenge of leading throughout the pandemic with “expertise, fast and precise decision making, and the swift actions needed to maximize available resources to care for COVID-19 patients.” Her colleagues in the SCCMS describe her leadership as “tireless, and her expertise has been a vital factor in minimizing the number
of COVID deaths in our community.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Animal Owners Reminded to Make Sure Pets are Warm

With a polar vortex settling in, some animal owners need a reminder that they have the responsibility to keep their animals warm. If they can’t stay inside a home or barn during winter cold snaps, dogs, cats, and livestock will need a safe outdoor shelter.

Melissa A. Miller, Director of St. Clair County Animal Control, said that outside dogs must have a 4-sided shelter with a floor and roof and straw bedding when temps are under 32 degrees. Livestock must have a three-sided shelter or windbreak providing equivalent protection. 

For those who neglect their pets, they could be facing a misdemeanor charge and a penalty of $500 or 90 days in jail, or community service.

According to Miller, her office does see dogs in unsafe conditions, particularly those that are used as protection dogs, and those that are permanently chained up. She said, “If you see something, say something.” Calling Animal Control could save an animal’s life.

Miller said that cat shelters for feral cats can be made with Styrofoam coolers and straw. Free straw can be picked up at the Animal Control office at 3378 Griswold in Port Huron.

The St. Clair County Animal Control Office has a great video about how to properly insulate a dog house with straw.

https://www.facebook.com/adoptsccac/videos/435006647619252

Got the Vaccine? Still Need to “Mask Up”

Despite vaccination for COVID-19 starting to pick up, mask-wearing is not going away any time soon. In fact, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is ramping up its efforts to make sure people not only continue wearing masks but wear them correctly.

For those who thought they could ditch the mask once they got the vaccine, they will need to think again. Those who receive the vaccine are asked to continue to wear their masks to prevent spreading the virus.

According to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS, “We are making great progress towards our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders as quickly as possible, but it is important people remain vigilant in preventing spread of COVID-19 even after receiving a vaccine.”

Michiganders are asked to make sure their mask fits properly to keep their own respiratory droplets in and others out. More layers mean more protection. According to MDHHS, one mask blocks 40% of particles; a cloth mask worn over a medical mask blocks 85% of particles and two medical masks or a medical mask properly fitted can block 95% of particles.

Reporting for WGRT –  Jennie McClelland