Today at noon: Whitmer to Provide Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Today at noon: Whitmer to Provide Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic

by | Feb 17, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

February 17, 2021

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer to Provide Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Response 

 

LANSING – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update regarding COVID-19 and the continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

 

WHO:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer

MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Wednesday, February 17 at 12:00 PM

WHERE: Please see RSVP Information below. 

 

Satellite Coordinates: 

Galaxy 17 K 14 slot 3

Downlink Freq. 11977.0 vertical

Symbol rate:  4.0

FEC:  ¾

DVBS-2/8PSK

1080i

Satellite coordinates provided by WLNS-TV 6

The satellite window will open at 11:50 AM.

 

LIVE STREAM FOR PUBLIC VIEWING:

 

RSVP DIRECTIONS FOR MEDIA ONLY:

To RSVP and attend the press conference virtually, please email press@michigan.gov with your first and last name and outlet.

 

RSVPs will be considered in the order they are received and space is limited.

 

To be considered, RSVPs must be received by 11:00 AM TODAY

 

If your participation is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email from our office with further directions.

 
Whitmer Visits Vaccine Site in Grand Rapids

Whitmer Visits Vaccine Site in Grand Rapids

by | Feb 17, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Visits Vaccine Site in Grand Rapids to Watch Vaccination Efforts Firsthand

The governor was joined by Congressman Peter Meijer and State Representative David LaGrand 

 

LANSING, Mich. –Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to the DeVos Place vaccination site to see firsthand the collaboration and work being done to achieve the state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders, who are 16 years and older, as quickly as possible.

 

“It is inspiring to see the strong partnerships at vaccination sites across the state between our frontline health care workers and the women and men of the Michigan National Guard who are all working around the clock to vaccinate as many people as possible,” said Governor Whitmer. “While we work towards achieving the goals laid out in our vaccine strategy, I urge everyone to make a plan for how they will get their shots when they are eligible. We all have a part to play in ending this pandemic once and for all, and we must continue to mask up, socially distance, and wash our hands.”

 

The governor visited DeVos Place in Grand Rapids with Congressman Peter Meijer, State Representative David LaGrand, Major General Paul Rogers, and MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel, and to observe the partnership between Kent County, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Spectrum Health, and the Michigan National Guard.

 

“I am very proud of the hard work happening across West Michigan to vaccinate our community. Frontline health care workers and the National Guard are working around the clock to meet vaccination goals and we cannot thank them enough for their great efforts,” said Congressman Meijer. “We will not stop working to be a national leader in vaccinations so we can get our children back to school, our communities back to work, and put West Michigan on a successful path forward.”

 

“Grand Rapids is a hub of some of Michigan’s most dedicated frontline heroes. Today, we were able to see the direct impact health care workers and the National Guard have on the lives of everyday Michiganders,” said Representative LaGrand. “Governor Whitmer’s strong leadership has made Michigan one of the top 10 states, moving us closer and closer to defeating the virus. I look forward to seeing this effort grow as the state works to vaccinate 70% of Michiganders 16 and up as soon as possible.”

 

As of today, Michigan has administered 1,657,215 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating every Michigander that wants a vaccine.

 

Last week, Governor Whitmer released her FY2022 executive budget recommendation that builds on her MI COVID Recovery Plan she released in January. The plan allocates $90 million in federal funding to ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan and bring the closer to the governor’s goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day. The funding will help provide financial support to local health departments for vaccine administration costs, including staff augmentation, as well as provide equipment and supplies. Michigan will also receive $575 million to expand COVID testing, tracing, and lab capacity in Michigan.

 

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MDHHS Identifies 90 Cases of COVID Variant

by | Feb 17, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS Identifies 90 Cases of COVID Variant

Contact: Chris Gautz (517) 256-3790

 

MDHHS Identifies 90 Cases of COVID Variant

 

IONIA, MICH. Results from the daily testing of prisoners and staff at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility, in Ionia, has resulted in the detection of 90 cases of the SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.7 variant.

This testing occurred after an employee at the prison was found to have the variant and the Michigan Department of Corrections immediately began to test daily, all prisoners and staff.

Of the first set of samples provided to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories, 90 of the 95 were found to have the variant. Of the 90, there were 88 prisoners and two employees. There are more than 100 lab results still pending.

This variant is believed to be more contagious compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and as soon as it was detected in the prison, additional precautions were put in place, along with the daily testing.

Since the daily testing results have come in, the number of COVID-19 positive cases at the facility has been on the decline, which indicates the swift efforts undertaken to reduce the spread is working.

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant, B.1.1.7.

Michiganders should:

• Wash hands often.

• Wear a mask around others.

• Stay 6 feet apart from others.

• Ventilate indoor spaces.

• Make a plan to get the vaccine when the opportunity becomes available.

 

Any Michigander who has traveled or has possibly been exposed to an individual infected with COVID-19 should get tested for the virus. Visit. Michigan.gov/coronavirustest to find the nearest test site.

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

Commission seeks applications for Health Network Board vacancies 

Commission seeks applications for Health Network Board vacancies 

by | Feb 16, 2021 | Regional News

Commission seeks applications for multiple Oakland County Health Network Board vacancies 

February 12, 2021, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – The Oakland County Board of Commissioners (BOC) is seeking applications to fill four vacancies on the Oakland County Health Network (OCHN) Board. Interested individuals can apply for a three-year term that runs from April 2021 to March 2024. The application can be found online at forms.oakgov.com/85 and must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on February 19.

The OCHN leads a provider service network that assists approximately 23,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. The network’s goal is to ensure that those who receive public mental health services through OCHN’s provider network are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life.

The BOC is seeking applications to fill two general public seats, one primary consumer seat (someone receiving mental health services) and one secondary consumer seat (a family member of someone receiving mental health services). To qualify, applicants must be residents of Oakland County. Those chosen for an OCHN Board position will receive $90 per diem and county allowance of mileage reimbursement. Members will attend all relevant meetings.

The OCHN meeting schedule is as follows:

  • Committee of the Whole – Full Board participates at 4:30 p.m. on the second Monday of the month
  • General Board meeting – Full Board participates at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month
  • Board study sessions – Full Board participates at 5 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month
  • Executive Committee meeting – Board officers participate at 12 p.m. on the first Monday of the month

    For more information about the BOC, please visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248-858-0100.

Warning to Consumers of New Credit Card Scam

by | Feb 16, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

Attorney General Nessel Warns Consumers of New Credit Card Scam

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning consumers of a new scam that’s been reported by at least one resident to the Department’s Consumer Protection team. The complainant reportedly received a call from a scammer who insisted that a new Michigan law has passed which dissolves credit card debt as long as the credit card number, expiration date, security code and ZIP code are provided. Nessel is urging anyone who gets this call to immediately hang up as it is yet another attempt to cheat people out of their personal information and hard-earned money.

“Scammers are relentless and will try anything they can to steal your credit card information,” said Nessel. “Especially with tax season approaching, I cannot stress enough how important it is that we all stay hyper-vigilant when it comes to protecting ourselves. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Nessel encourages Michiganders to visit the Consumer Protection page on the Department’s website to get familiar with steps everyone can take to better protect themselves. Regardless of the type of scam, bad actors tend to use the same approach. Michiganders should always watch for one or more of the following signs:

  • Urgent or secret requests;
  • Believable stories or connections;
  • Requests for financial or other personal information;
  • Unusual payment types, such as wire transfers or gift cards; and
  • An offer too good to be true.

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or by calling 877-765-8388.
new program starting March 1 to help enhance state’s vaccine equity strategy

new program starting March 1 to help enhance state’s vaccine equity strategy

by | Feb 16, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS announces new program starting March 1 to help enhance state’s vaccine equity strategy; Health centers will receive safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine this week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health of Human Services (MDHHS) today announced a new program to enhance the state’s equity strategy to reach more Michiganders with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

“I am excited to announce initiatives that will help enhance the state’s equity strategy and allow us to get more vulnerable Michiganders vaccinated,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Workers in higher risk agricultural settings have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We also know that we need to remove barriers to vaccine access for our most vulnerable individuals in Michigan, including those with disabilities, lower income, and racial and ethnic minorities. These steps will allow our federally qualified health centers across the state to begin vaccinating and will prioritize vaccine allocation to partnerships and providers who are removing barriers to access. This strategy is important as we move forward with our goal to equitably vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and over as quickly as possible.”

Starting immediately, mortuary service workers, who routinely work with infectious materials, will be able to be vaccinated as part of group 1A in accordance with CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations. In addition, 41 federally qualified health centers across the state will start receiving vaccine allocations to help vaccinate individuals age 65 and older. These community health centers are located in medically underserved areas to provide high-quality, affordable and comprehensive medical services to everyone – regardless of who they are, where they come from or their ability to pay.

Currently persons 65 and older are eligible to be vaccinated across the state. Providers with specific plans to remove barriers to access across the state will also be allowed to request vaccine for people age 60 and up.

Additionally, workers in food processing and agricultural settings, about 79,000 Michiganders, will be able to be vaccinated as of March 1. This will help ensure the health and safety of Michigan’s essential food and agriculture workers and keep the state’s food supply chain moving.

MDHHS recently announced the state’s strategy to get 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as possible. The strategy is being guided by the following principles:

  • All Michiganders have equitable access to vaccines.
  • Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive and actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
  • Communications are transparent, accurate, and frequent public communications to build public trust.
  • Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision making.
  • Resource stewardship, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement drive strategic implementation.

Updated vaccine prioritization guidance can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.