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/

Barber Shops and Salons Still Closed as Legal Battles Continue

While most stay-at-home orders have been rescinded, and restaurants and pools are allowed to open next week, barbers and hair salons are still shuttered. When asked about opening hair salons and the fact that people are leaving the state to get haircuts, Governor Whitmer defended her decision by explaining that it is “too risky” to open salons.

Whitmer said she is hoping to open hair salons back up before the July 4th holiday. She also suggested Googling how to give yourself a haircut or wearing a ponytail.

After getting his professional license suspended last month and garnering national attention for his defiance of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, Owosso barber Karl Manke has filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. Manke’s attorneys argue that the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling was entered in violation of state Supreme Court Rules, as one of the judges dissented from the decision.

As the political drama plays out and citizen’s hair roots grow out, the U.S. Department of Justice has made an inquiry into allegations of unlawful use of Executive Orders, backing a lawsuit filed by several Michigan businesses who contest the forced disruption of commerce. Whitmer defended her actions saying they are based on data and that the inquiry seeks to undermine the health and safety of Michigan residents.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland