The St. Clair County Health Department has been notified of a second presumptive positive case of COVID-19. The case is a female household contact of the first identified case. The individual did take appropriate precautions and had minimal interaction with the community. The case is continuing to be investigated by the Health Department.

Dr. Annette Mercatante states, “If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. Mildly ill people should be encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for clinical guidance. Testing will be determined based on risk assessment. I encourage our community to remain calm, be educated, and practice prevention strategies. Working together will help slow down the spread in our community.”

A local COVID-19 informational hotline has been set up at (810) 966-4163. The Michigan Department of Heath and Human Services established a statewide hotline for those who want answers to health related questions. The hotline is available 7 days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM at 1-888-535-6136.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Brain Awareness Week is March 16-22, and the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter (GMC) is raising awareness of its programs and offerings to support St. Clair County residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, their caregivers and Communities. More than 5 million Americans – including more than 190,000 in Michigan – are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number that is projected to nearly triple by 2050 to nearly 14 million.

St. Clair County residents can take advantage of a number of programs and opportunities offered throughout the year by the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter. These resources include educational programs offered for families and individuals facing Alzheimer’s, as well as community members and health care professionals throughout the year. Support groups are regularly scheduled in-person or over the phone meetings of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Some groups meet monthly, others weekly, and they are free and open to anyone.

Events such as The Longest Day or the 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s are great ways to show support and raise funds to help work toward the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

Upcoming St. Clair County support group dates include the fourth Tuesday of the month from 2-3:30 p.m. at Marwood Nursing and Rehab and First Congregational Church St. Clair.

For more information, visit alz.org/gmc.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents to beware of businesses engaging in potential price-gouging, and to report those suspected offenses to her office immediately. The advice follows the state’s emergency declaration last week due to the discovery of Michigan’s first positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Michigan Department of Attorney General is aware of businesses selling face masks, hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies at exceptionally high prices – likely in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Other products that consumers might seek to purchase due to the threat of COVID-19 may also be at risk of price-gouging practices.

Nessel has stated that, “Supply and demand might be a familiar saying for retailers, but price-gouging is against the law and protecting consumers against unfair business practices is a service my office provides to residents.” 

The Attorney General’s office last week contacted a west Michigan retailer for reportedly selling individual face masks at outrageous prices. A discussion with the business owner took place, followed by a letter requiring the business to provide specific information to avoid formal action or investigation.

The Attorney General’s office is actively tracking consumer complaints related to COVID-19 and is evaluating the reports to determine what actions to take.

Michigan residents are urged to report any violation of the Consumer Protection Act online or by calling 877-765-8388.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available online at a state website, and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For local information, visit our website.

Telemedicine has been expanded in Michigan. Medicaid beneficiaries will immediately be allowed to receive services in their homes. This effort is in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Private insurance plans will also cover and encourage the use of virtual care and telemedicine, according to a press release from the Governor’s office. Those plans include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Priority Health, Meridian, CVS Health, McLaren, and Health Alliance Plan. 

Telemedicine uses technology such as webcams, Skype and similar apps and programs to connect patients with doctors without making an actual physical visit to the doctor’s office. The private insurance companies also agreed to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing. Michigan Department of Health and Human services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon said that by doing this, it “can help reduce the number of Michiganders who need to visit their health care provider in person, which will help slow the spread of disease and ensure our health facilities have adequate staff and resources to care for those who are sick.”

The Blue Water Area would have been well-represented at the State Mock Trial Competition with four teams qualifying for the State Finals that were scheduled to be held in Kalamazoo on March 21. 

The COVID-19 mitigation plan has cancelled all school events. Yale, St. Clair Blue, Cardinal Mooney’s A Team, and Anchor Bay Green all won trips to states at Regional Competitions. Cardinal Mooney’s B Team and Anchor Bay Orange both received Honorable Mentions. Anchor Bay would have been headed to states for the fourth time in ten years. Anchor Bay’s Teacher Coach Denise O’Hearn said she is “so proud of the hard work, dedication and teamwork displayed by the students.”

This is Cardinal Mooney’s fifth year in a row (qualifying for) states. Teacher Coach James Kelley of Cardinal Mooney said he is also “proud of the effort these students have put in this year,” as it was “a tough case and the way the students have handled it has been nothing short of amazing.”

Mock Trial is a courtroom simulation competition where students argue a case and are judged on a variety of factors.