local news

Whitmer Lifts Stay at Home Order – State Enters Phase 4 of Re-opening

Governor Whitmer said in a press conference today that the state of Michigan is now in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan, the “Improving” phase. She also rescinded the Safer at Home order previously in effect until June 12th.

The shift will begin in phases. Immediately, outdoor fitness classes are allowed with social distancing. Offices previously deemed nonessential can go back to work unless people can reasonably work from home. Children’s day camps and swimming pools can reopen with safety measures. Crowds of up to 100 people can gather outdoors, and outdoor parks and recreational facilities may open.

On Thursday, retail can open at full capacity with social distancing and safety precautions in place.

Next Monday, June 8th, bars and restaurants are allowed to open their dining rooms at 50% capacity with social distancing.

The re-opening does not include gyms, hair salons, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, and casinos which are still closed.

Whitmer said, ““While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home, we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing, and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19. If we all do our part, our goal is to announce a shift to phase five for the entire state prior to the fourth of July. Stay smart, stay safe, and let’s all do our part.”

The full order is available <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Port Huron Parks and Recreation Announces Summer Programming

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department has had to get creative this summer. The pool is closed and the city’s parks will be empty, but organized recreation has not been completely abandoned. 

The Rec. Department released its abbreviated and very innovative summer schedule late last week. Offerings for online classes include dance, cooking, nature, and art that anyone can access for free using the Rec. Department’s Facebook page. There is also the option to learn karate over a Zoom meeting. 

Walk Michigan is continuing without the group walk aspect. Walkers self-report their socially distanced walks to complete the circuit and get a free t-shirt. There is also a schedule of nine outdoor drive in movies that will be held downtown. 

One of the more unique offerings is a traveling bike clinic that will be at different parks throughout the summer to keep kids’ and adults’ bikes in top condition. While the closing of playgrounds and pools and the cancellation of typical summer social activities is a huge disappointment, there are still a few fun things for residents to write on the calendar this summer. Check out https://www.porthuronrec.com/ for details. 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Legislation in the Works While U.S. Attorney Responds to Nursing Home Concerns

Port Huron, MI — Nursing homes have been the epicenters of COVID-19 virus spread, yet the practice of moving convalescent COVID-19 patients into nursing homes is actually common in Michigan. An Executive Order requires facilities to create a COVID unit if they are operating at less than 80% capacity. 

The U.S. Attorney is now investigating Michigan’s practice and state legislation is in the works to find a safer place for patients to recover. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider responded to a letter from State Senator and Majority Whip Peter J. Lucido, saying, “The protection of the life and health of the people of Michigan is a core responsibility of the United States Attorney’s Office. The residents of long-term care facilities are among our State’s most vulnerable citizens, and any concern regarding the well-being of these citizens is one that we take seriously.” 

Lucido, a Shelby Township Republican, introduced legislation last week that would ban the intentional transfer of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and would require a centralized treatment facility for recuperating patients. Lucido is hopeful of the approval of the bill, according to a press release.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Secretary of State Branches Reopen June 1st by Appointment Only

Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.

“While the offices were closed to the public, we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.”

Beginning the week of June 1st, all 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including:

  • Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person
  • Title transfers
  • Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing
  • Seasonal commercial vehicle renewal

Branch staff will follow strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, standing six feet apart, using desk shields, and continuously disinfecting shared or common surfaces. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times.

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update for May 29, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 29th at  9:45 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 56,014 confirmed cases; 5,372 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 422 confirmed cases; 33 deaths
  • Ontario: 26, 866  confirmed cases;  2,189 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 261 confirmed cases; 22 deaths

Confirmed Cases in St. Clair County rose by 16 last week, and the county suffered four additional deaths. There are currently 68 active cases of COVID-19 reported in St. Clair County, and 1% of all hospital beds are being used for COVID-19 patients.

As medical offices resume seeing patients for non-essential health care needs, Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, said that it’s important for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure to check in with their doctors. “Delayed healthcare typically means more complicated outcomes.”

She also recommends parents resume their child’s vaccine schedules as childhood vaccination rates for kids under 2 years old fell by 50%.

Cases in Sarnia rose by 18 since last week, and the county suffered 3 additional deaths. There are currently 2 outbreaks reported in long term care facilities in Lambton County, and 63% of the deaths reported in Ontario were of residents in long-term care facilities.

The City of Sarnia recognizes the mental and physical benefits of using local trails, parks, and beaches, and they have increased the By-Law Staff at those locations to educate the public on how to stay safe while enjoying those amenities.

*** It is important to note that WGRT is continuing to report confirmed cases from each area, not total cases which are a combination of confirmed and probable cases. We have chosen to approach the data this way to simplify our reports and to create uniformity in the numbers we are reporting for each region, St.Clair County, Lambton County, Michigan, and Ontario.

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

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Pure Michigan Business Connect Program Links Businesses to PPE

A statewide platform is being activated to connect Michigan employers with suppliers of Personal Protective Equipment. Executive orders require businesses to supply the equipment to their employees to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

This requirement is both an added expense and an added stress as the equipment can be hard to find. The Pure Michigan Business Connect program has launched the free PMBC COVID-19 Procurement Platform to connect businesses who need the PPE with the Michigan suppliers who are selling it.

Items like face masks, face shields, gloves, goggles and other materials are being manufactured by Michigan industries. The Platform was rolled out in March, but is being ramped up in response to the needs of businesses who are opening back up and working to fulfill the safety guidelines required by the state. 

According to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, over 900 companies and 1800 suppliers have registered with the portal. Businesses with needs of all types and sizes are encouraged to go to www.michiganbusiness.org/ppe to get connected to the PPE that they need to safely reopen.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland