Health Division COVID-19 Update For June 14 – June 19

Health Division COVID-19 Update For June 14 – June 19

by | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Health Division COVID-19 Update On Vaccine Clinics And Doses For The Week Of June 14 – June 19

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County’s seven-day COVID-19 case average is the lowest it has been since June 26, 2020 with 19 cases per day. Oakland County Health Division attributes the reduction in large part to the number of residents who are getting vaccinated.

President Joseph R. Biden set a national goal of vaccinating 70 percent of U.S. residents by July 4. Oakland County needs 47,300 more residents 12 years and older to get COVID-19 immunizations to reach that goal locally. The Health Division will continue reaching into communities where vaccines are needed even once the president’s goal is achieved.

Oakland County Health Division will host 13 COVID-19 vaccine clinics from Monday, June 14 – Saturday, June 19 in the following communities: Commerce, Davisburg, Groveland, Highland, Milford, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, West Bloomfield, and White Lake. Health Division will also host vaccine clinics in the South Lyon/Lyon Township area the week of June 21. Monitor OaklandCountyVaccine.com for upcoming clinic locations and times. Those who do not have access to a computer or the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 for more information.

The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of June 14, 2021:

Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737

  • Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 694,107
  • Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 628,634
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 67.4%

Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389

  • Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 716,658
  • Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 641,842
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 65.7%

Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676

  • Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 181,093
  • Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 171,747
  • Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 83.2%

Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,309,505

  • Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,316,719
  • Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A

DNR announces Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events

by | Jun 16, 2021 | Recreation
Centennial banner

– DNR News –
June 15, 2021

Contact: Michelle Zellar (BOW), 906-293-5131, Ext 4004, John Pepin (Media), 906-250-7260

DNR announces Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events

One-day workshops help women experience outdoor recreation and education

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Becoming an Outdoors Woman program will offer a half-dozen Beyond BOW events this summer at various locations across Michigan.

The BOW program gives women, 18 and older, an opportunity to improve their outdoors skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. In addition to being fun to participate in, many of the BOW and Beyond BOW classes offer important outdoor skills, including knot-tying and finding your way with a compass and map.

Please take the BOW Participation Survey to provide important information that will help shape future BOW gatherings.

Here is a list of the upcoming Beyond BOW events:

  • July 24, 8 a.m. EDT. Women’s Hunter/Firearm Safety Workshop, Washtenaw Sportsman’s Club, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 This hunter education field-day course is an alternative to the traditional course. The hunter education information presented is the same as in the traditional course. However, the classroom portion is instead completed online. Students must present a copy of their certificate of completion (voucher) of the online course at the start of the field day. The online course is fee-based and can be taken at hunter-ed.com/michigan/.
  • July 24, Beginner Knot Tying and Map and Compass Workshops, Presque Isle Senior Pavilion, Presque Isle Park, Marquette, MI 49855 (Two separate courses) Participants will meet at the pavilion 15 minutes before class starts. PARTICIPANTS MAY ATTEND ONE OR BOTH CLASSES.
    • Beginner Knot Tying: 10 a.m. to noon EDT. In beginner knot tying, the instructor will demonstrate and teach how to tie various knots that are useful in the outdoors. This is a hands-on class, and you will be provided with rope for practice. Some of the knots demonstrated may include the overhand, square, half-hitch, trailer-hitch, bowline and figure eight. The focus of the workshop will be on foundational knots and knots with frequent usage in the outdoors, as well as others requested by participants.
    • Beginner Map and Compass: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. There will be three components to the Map and Compass Class. First, we will learn the basics on how to successfully read a map, as well as learn the differences in types of maps and their appropriate usage. Second, we will learn the basics of compass usage and terminology. Lastly, we will put our new skills to practice in a hands-on compass course.
  • July 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. Belle Isle State Park pop-up event, Detroit. BOW Committee Members and Volunteer Instructors will have various demo classes available throughout the State Park for visitors on-site. There will be a welcome booth with program information, staff available for questions and a program suggestion box. This event is free and does not require registration.
  • August 27-29, 2 p.m. EDT (registration). Independent Rustic Camping Workshop, Rivermouth Campground, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise. Participants will set up camp at the Group Camping Area at the Rivermouth Campground, located off M-123 in Chippewa County. All participants will camp and cook independently in our happy tent neighborhood. This is an opportunity to learn how to set up your own tent, start a fire, cook your food on a camp stove and filter your water in a supportive learning environment. Time to take the lead and become comfortable with all the various tasks required for a backcountry camping trip. Mentors will be available for assistance and will run mini clinics throughout the weekend to teach a specific skill or share an experience. This is a very hands-on trip. 

Registration materials for the Beyond BOW workshops are available at Michigan.gov/BOW.

The traditional June summer BOW workshop has been moved for this year to Sept. 10-12 at the Upper Peninsula Bible Camp on Farmer Lake in Little Lake, near Gwinn, rather than at the Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay.

Registration materials for the fall event are expected to be available in early July. Those signed-up for BOW email notifications will receive an email when event details and registration materials are available on the DNR website.

To keep up with the latest on BOW, sign-up for email notifications at Michigan.gov/BOW. You can also follow BOW on Facebook or Instagram.

For questions, contact BOW coordinator Michelle Zellar at [email protected] or 906-293-5131 ext. 4004.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
DNR News: Great Lakes beach safety is key to state park visits

DNR News: Great Lakes beach safety is key to state park visits

by | Jun 16, 2021 | Recreation

 
Centennial banner

– DNR News –
June 15, 2021
Contact: Ron Olson, 517-243-1477

Great Lakes beach safety is key to great state park visits

red flagAs the summer heats up and people begin flocking to Great Lakes beaches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to keep water and pier safety in mind.

Holding more than 20% of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems. These lakes reign supreme for many during warmer months, but they also are prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. Adverse weather patterns can create dangerous rip and structural currents along piers and breakwalls, too. Crashing waves can create slippery surfaces and conditions strong enough to knock a person into the water.

“The DNR eagerly welcomes millions of visitors to Michigan state parks each summer,” said Sean Mulligan, Holland State Park manager. “Visitors should keep in mind that winds can come up quickly, changing conditions without warning, so always pay attention to the weather. The Great Lakes can become very dangerous, especially when waves get higher than 4 feet.”

Unfortunately, several emergencies and drownings have occurred along the beach and breakwall areas. Many of these incidents happened during red flag days when the wind and waves are strong with greater potential for dangerous rip currents.

Of Michigan’s 100-plus state parks, 42 offer access to Great Lakes shoreline.

Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said the increase in accidents and drownings on the Great Lakes in recent years is especially troubling and clear evidence that greater public awareness is needed. In particular, Grand Haven, Holland, Ludington and Mears state parks are situated in locations where rip currents tend to build and recurring safety hazards are present.

“When it comes to protecting Michigan residents and visitors on the water, especially the Great Lakes, we cannot talk enough about safety, preparation and vigilant awareness,” Olson said.

New safety measures at Holland State Park

Holland State Park, situated along Lake Michigan, is one of Michigan’s most-visited sites and provides the main access to a popular pier that is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More recently, the DNR and the local community have collaborated on additional ways to alert visitors to changing Great Lakes and pier conditions.

This past fall, Holland State Park staff collaborated with Park Township and The King Company to fund the installation of a gate on the pier adjacent to Holland State Park. The goal is to help save lives by restricting access during harsh weather and to reduce the number of people jumping off the pier, while still allowing people to fish from the pier when feasible. Generally speaking, the gate will be closed during the winter, when the red flags are flying and during night hours when the park is closed.

In addition, an electronic messaging board conveying beach conditions is located where visitors enter Holland State Park, and a new public address system will be used to update beachgoers as the beach warning flags are changed in response to weather conditions. Visitors also can view live beach conditions at CityOfHolland.com/645/MIHollandCAM via livestream video courtesy of the City of Holland and Biggby Coffee. Conditions are posted on the park’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/HollandStateParkMi.

River outlets and breakwalls

Dangerous currents can occur near the outlets of rivers and breakwalls, especially during times that water levels are higher.

For example, the mouth of the Big Sable River is located in Ludington State Park, but outside the designated swim area. In the past, swimmers have been swept out into Lake Michigan. This park also has installed an electronic bulletin messaging board at the entrance to the designated beach area to help alert visitors of current conditions.

In addition, swimmers should be aware of particularly dangerous structural currents that form along shoreline structures near breakwalls, such as in Mears State Park.

“When northwest winds appear, water is pushed to the shore causing dangerous currents along the north side of the pier,” said Chris Bush, lead ranger at Mears State Park. “People are often surprised that structures located in the Great Lakes can cause such powerful, and sometimes dangerous, currents.”

Using state park designated swim areas on the Great Lakes

Many, but not all, state parks on the Great Lakes offer designated swimming areas that are identified by buoys or buoys and markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Water depth will be inspected approximately every 14 days and underwater obstacles will be posted or marked. You may also find other designated swim areas in areas other than state parks.

Check the flag upon arrival and be sure to monitor it throughout the day because conditions can change rapidly.

  • Green flag = Go. Enter the water but stay aware of changing conditions.
  • Yellow flag = Caution. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.
  • Red flag = Stop. Stay on the beach; do not enter the water and do not swim.

There are no beach guards at state parks , so please never swim alone and keep close watch of children. Stay within arm’s reach and make sure all kids wear life jackets.

If there is an emergency, immediately call 911. At Holland and Grand Haven state parks, use the nearest red zone number boards (located on the beach) to help relay your location as accurately as possible.

State park designated swim areas have lifesaving flotation device and equipment. Remember the safety equipment on the beach or pier is for emergency use only; using this equipment for anything else is against the law.

Keep these additional cautions in mind when enjoying time in and around the Great Lakes:

  • Currents near piers can be extremely hazardous. Pay attention to the buoys marking the designated swim areas; swimming outside of the marked swim zones can be dangerous and should be avoided.
  • During certain weather conditions, the force of water and waves crashing over the surface can easily wash someone off a structure; always monitor the beach flag warning system.
  • Before leaving home, learn about the types of Great Lakes currents and how to escape them.
  • Check local weather reports and lake conditions before and during your beach trip.

Nondesignated swim areas on the Great Lakes

Visitors in areas without designated swim beaches should use extreme caution because they will not have the benefit of the beach flag warning system or the visual cautions of buoys that mark water depth and other obstacles.

More smart safety water tips

When swimming or boating in any body of water – whether the Great Lakes, inland lakes or slow-moving rivers and streams – make safety your first priority. Never swim alone, always keep close watch of children and bring U.S. Coast-Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.

When boating, have life jackets available for everyone on the vessel, leave a float plan with someone on shore, stay alert and carry a cell phone or marine radio. Such planning goes for those on personal watercraft like Jet Skis and paddle boards, too. Learn boating safety.

More info

Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety to learn about the beach flag warning system, how to escape rip currents and more.

For more on overall beach and water safety at state parks throughout Michigan, contact Ron Olson at 517-243-1477 or [email protected]. For more information on Holland State Park, contact Sean Mulligan at 616-399-9390 or [email protected].

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
Bills To Protect Seniors and Promote Development and Jobs

Bills To Protect Seniors and Promote Development and Jobs

by | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 15, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills To Protect Seniors and Promote Development and Jobs in Detroit

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4325, which standardizes criminal background check procedures for employees and volunteers in area agencies on aging, and Senate Bill 437, which will promote development on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit. In October 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services successfully implemented the protections for seniors codified by HB 4325.

 

“When we work together we can craft great legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer.  “House Bill 4325 codifies important protections for seniors that MDHHS implemented in October 2020. Additionally, Senate Bill 437 will promote development, investment, and jobs in Detroit, accelerating our state’s recovery from the pandemic. ”

 

“I’m pleased state government was able to come together for the protection of vulnerable people in our state,” said Rep. Matt Hall, R – Marshall, who sponsored House Bill 4325. “The overwhelming support for this legislation in both the House and Senate and the quick action to sign it into law underscores the importance of this issue. People and their families depend on services provided through local AASA agencies and they depend on those services to be reliable and safe. With standardized background checks and needed uniformity, we are working to ensure elderly people are not put in an environment with potentially dangerous individuals.”

 

Senate Bill 437 will amend the Michigan Business Tax Act to extend the time in which a development project in Detroit could be completed and still be eligible for preapproved brownfield tax credits.

 

Senate Bill 437 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R – Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.

 

House Bill 4325 will amend the Older Michiganians Act to require each area agency on aging to have a criminal background check and a central registry criminal background check for each new employee, employee, subcontractor, subcontractor employee, and volunteer who has specified kinds of client contact or access to client information.

 

House Bill 4325 was sponsored by Rep. Matt Hall, R – Marshall , and a copy can be found here.

 

The governor also signed House Bill 4445, which amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code to revise provisions concerning motorsports event licenses issued to the owners of a motorsports entertainment complex.

 

House Bill 4445 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Lightner, R – Springport, and a copy can be found here.
MDHHS updates Agricultural Employee testing

MDHHS updates Agricultural Employee testing

by | Jun 16, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS updates Agricultural and Food Processing Employee testing order; exempts fully vaccinated individuals from routine testing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated its Order for COVID-19 testing for agricultural employees to align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to exempt fully vaccinated individuals from routine screening testing.

“We are updating this order to align with CDC guidance on testing of fully vaccinated individuals,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals will now be exempt from most testing requirements. We encourage everyone to join the 60% of Michiganders who have already been vaccinated with one of the three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.”

“Michigan’s migrant and agricultural workforce is a critical link in our state’s food supply chain, so their health and safety are always top of mind as we move through the final phases of the pandemic,” said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Protecting workers while keeping Michigan moving is a very difficult task, and we are thankful for MDHHS’ hard work and careful consideration when modifying screening and testing requirements for food workers and migrant labor housing providers.”

Under the Order, housing operators must:

  • Provide testing for any housing resident exhibiting the principal symptoms of COVID-19 or has suspected exposure to COVID-19, regardless of that individual’s vaccination status.
  • Provide testing for all newly arriving residents within 48 hours after arrival unless the resident is fully vaccinated and is not exhibiting the principal symptoms of COVID-19 or has already been tested in the previous 72 hours.
  • To the greatest extent possible, house newly arriving residents in a separate living unit from current residents for the number of days as directed by the CDC, currently 14 days after arrival, unless they are fully vaccinated.
  • If housing in a separate living unit cannot be accomplished, newly arriving residents, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a face mask at all times during the first 14 days after arrival, or the number of days as directed by the CDC if different, including in dwelling units and after work hours, except when eating, drinking, or performing personal hygiene activities or if the resident cannot medically tolerate a face mask.
  • Provide a second test to newly arriving residents 10 to 14 days after arrival unless they are fully vaccinated.

Employers of migrant or seasonal workers and agricultural operations with over 20 employees on-site at a time must:

  • Provide testing for any worker exhibiting the principal symptoms of COVID-19 or who has suspected exposure to COVID-19, regardless of that individual’s vaccination status.
  • Provide testing for all new workers prior to beginning work unless they are fully vaccinated and not exhibiting the principal symptoms of COVID-19.

Employers and housing operators have several options for completing testing, including contracting with a medical provider, occupational health provider, laboratory or other vendor. Employers and housing operators facing challenges arranging testing may submit a request for testing assistance to MDHHS at a COVID Tests/Support Request.

Following a positive test of a worker, employers must take all precautions in accordance with relevant guidance from the CDC to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

The latest information about COVID-19 is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.