COVID-19 Community Update Monday 4_6_2020

Face Masks Recommended to Protect Others

The St. Clair County Health Department received notification of a 3rd county resident who died from COVID-19 complications. WGRT is reporting confirmed cases as reported by the St. Clair County Health Department, Lambton Public Health, and The Ontario Ministry of Health.

Confirmed cases as of April 6th at 5:30 PM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 17,221 confirmed cases; 727 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 114 confirmed cases; 3 county resident deaths (There was also 1 death in a county hospital of an out-of-county resident)
  • Ontario: 4,347 confirmed cases; 132 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 80 confirmed cases; 8 deaths

A person may transmit COVID-19 without knowing they are infected. It is now recommended that individuals wear a cloth face covering whenever they are in public to protect those around them. To ensure that surgical masks and N-95 respirators remain available for medical personnel, the CDC recommends homemade masks for personal use.

Masks can be made from 100% cotton material such as t-shirts and bandanas. They should not be placed on children under 2 years old, anyone having trouble breathing, or someone who is unconscious and unable to remove it without assistance. Masks do not protect you from becoming infected. The best way to prevent infection is to stay home, wash your hands properly, and avoid touching your face.

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

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Gov Whitmer Press Conference April 6, 2020

Whitmer Updates the State of Michigan on PPE, Unemployment Benefits, Masks, and Stay Home Order

Governor Whitmer’s press conference on Monday highlighted the  medical equipment that the state has secured or ordered, including 1 million N-95 masks from FEMA shipping this week. She noted that Ford Motor Company has been a contributor of face shields, and that the TCF Center, which had been undergoing transformation into a field hospital, should be ready to see patients by Friday.

She then turned her focus to the number of unemployment claims the State of Michigan is facing, and said they will only increase. The number of claims jumped for the week of March 15th – 21st to 127,000 new claims and then rose to 300,000 new claims for the week of March 22 – 28th. The increase of unemployment payments to $600 per week is still waiting on the US Department of Labor for  rules and authorization before those payments can begin.

To date, there are 15,718 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan and 617 people have died. 80% of the cases are in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb County. She said, “One person who is carrying COVID-19 can infect up to 40 people in a day who in turn can infect thousands. I encourage everyone to wear some sort of face covering on those few trips that you need to leave the house. During this time it is crucial that you only leave your home when absolutely necessary.” She reported that she has received data that shows Michiganders are travelling less than their neighbors in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio and encouraged residents to keep it up.

She did not extend the Stay Home, Stay Safe order at this time, but she said to expect an additional order in the next week.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

choir

Spitirual Leaders Making Tough Choices About Gatherings

As the coronavirus was spreading in Washington state in early March, leaders of the Skagit Valley Choir debated whether to go ahead with weekly rehearsal. Skagit County hadn’t reported any cases, schools and businesses remained open, and prohibitions on large gatherings had yet to be announced.

On March 6, the choir director informed the 121 members in an email that choir practice would proceed as scheduled at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. Sixty singers showed up. The church provided hand sanitizers, and choir members refrained from handshakes.

Nearly three weeks later, 45 were diagnosed with the coronavirus or with the symptoms, at least three have been hospitalized, and two are dead. WGRT spoke with Dr. Thomas Seppo from Operation Transformation, our local coordinating organization for area churches. Dr. Seppo told WGRT, “Local pastors should be wise spiritual leaders and carefully follow the instructions of our government officials.”

The majority of churches in our area are refraining from holding public gatherings at this time. Leaders feel that their faith traditions have set precedents for obeying authority in matters concerning public safety. Many have seen the positive side of this decision already as congregants are being more proactive about reaching out to one another and are taking advantage of online options for teaching and prayer.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Coronavirus Inspires Many to Seek Religion for Answers

With the coronavirus pandemic causing unprecedented economic distress in the US and around the world, a new national poll provides an interesting look at how Americans are viewing the crisis and how it is altering their spiritual habits and interest in the Bible.

44% of Americans polled said they see the global coronavirus pandemic and economic meltdown as a wake-up call for us to turn back to faith in God.  22% of non-Christians polled said the crisis is causing them to start reading the Bible and listen to Bible teaching and Christian sermons online.

WGRT spoke with Dr. Thomas Seppo, leader of Operation Transformation, our local coordinating organization for local churches.  Seppo told us that while local churches have closed their sanctuaries to public services, they are seeing significant interest in the live-streaming of religious services as well as a dramatic increase in the interest in finding new ways to worship and pray.  Seppo went on to say, that often the greatest challenges provide even greater opportunities.  To learn more about what the faith community is doing during this pandemic, visit optrans.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Spirit of Port Huron Awards Postponed, Nominations Still Being Accepted

Mayor Pauline Repp decided to postpone the Spirit of Port Huron Awards ceremony until September 14, 2020. The deadline to nominate individuals for the awards has been extended to Wednesday, July 1st. The Port Huron City Council is asking people to thoughtfully consider submitting nominations in the following categories:

BROTHERHOOD:  A person who has displayed leadership in fostering understanding and promoting harmony and good will among all.

CIVIC:  A person, business or organization who has significantly contributed time, talent or investment to make Port Huron a better place to live, work and play.

CULTURAL:  A person who has encouraged the appreciation and advancement of the arts or heritage of Port Huron and its citizens.

ECONOMIC PROGRESS:  A person or business that has invested or encouraged an investment in the community that has stabilized or enhanced the economic climate and quality of life in Port Huron.

GOOD NEIGHBOR:  A person who has gone out of his/her way in an unsolicited manner to help a neighbor or neighbors in an extraordinary manner.

HERIOSM:  A person (or persons) who has risked personal injury or his/her life in a spontaneous act to save others.

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT:  Bestows a special recognition on the rare individual who has consistently and unselfishly given an extraordinary amount of time and personal effort over the course of many years toward the betterment of the community and fellow man.

YOUTH SERVICE:  A young person who has displayed outstanding citizenship, principally through community service activities.

Nominations should include:

  1. Your name, address, and phone number.
  2. The nominee’s name, address and phone number.
  3. The category for which they are being nominated.
  4. A description of the activities that support the nomination.

Nominations must be received by July 1, 2020, and should be mailed to:

Office of the Mayor

100 McMorran Boulevard

Port Huron, Michigan 48060

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand