Monthly Archives: March 2020

(March 25, 2020 2:12 PM) As of 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, there are sixteen positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Jackson County.  Dr. Mark Smith, Chief Medical Officer of Henry Ford Allegiance Health, says 9 of the cases are male and 7 are female and 10 are inpatients at HFAH. No other information about the cases was released at an afternoon press briefing by HFAH. Courtland Keteyian, MD, VP, Population Health; and president and CEO of Jackson Health Network said testing continues at the drive through testing facility at One Jackson Square.  Yesterday, 51 vehicles went through the site, of the 44 were health care workers or first responders.  Dr. Keteyian said priority is being given to critical care workers in health care and first responders. Since testing began on March 14, 1029 cars have been through, with 619 people tested and 410 not tested but receiving education. Dr. Pamela Hackert, Medical Director of the Jackson County Health Department and an Occupational and Preventive Medicine Physician at HFAH said they continue to advise people who are otherwise healthy to stay home.  “This is a flu-like illness you can manage at home”, she said.  “Stay home and self-isolate for 14…

(March 26, 2020 11:06 AM) Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell said that most components of the food and agriculture sector are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure and remain open and operating under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order that took effect at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020. “All food, dairy and agriculture-related activities are considered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to be part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and all aspects of food and agriculture production and distribution must continue to keep the supply chain moving,” said McDowell. “This means food processors, truckers, grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores will still be open and running to serve their customers, although many have modified their operations and hours of business to protect the health and well-being of their staff and communities. It also means farmers will continue preparing for the 2020 growing season, readying farm fields for planting, and ramping up to harvest early crops like asparagus and strawberries.” While operating during the COVID-19 emergency response, businesses should be extra diligent in following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local, state and federal…

(UPDATED March 26, 2020 10:07 AM)  The Jackson County Health Department has revised the name and description of the event held at Jackson Free Methodist Church on March 11.   The event at Jackson Free Methodist Church was a Community Bible Study held from 9:15 AM to 11:15 AM on March 11.   *Please note this event has been revised to reflect the correct name in this report. The Jackson County Health Department has announced potential COVID-19 exposure at two events in Jackson County that were attended by large groups of people. (March 25, 2020 5:46 PM) The Jackson County Health Department has identified two probable sites of Novel Coronavirus exposure in Jackson County.  These sites are: Michigan High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball District Tournament Game at Concord High School on Wednesday, March 11th Community Bible Study held at Jackson Free Methodist Church located at 2829 Park Dr. in Vandercook on Wednesday, March 11th *Please note this event has been revised to reflect the correct name. The Jackson County Health Department is advising anyone who attended one of the events listed above or who has had close contact for a prolonged period of time with someone who attended one of these…

Updated to include Governor's letter and request (UPDATED March 26, 2020 3:13 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the president requesting a major disaster declaration during the COVID-19 pandemic. If granted in full, among other things, a major disaster declaration would help the state provide meals to families who need them and provide rental assistance and temporary housing to families. It would also allow the state to provide counseling and therapy for Michigan residents whose mental health is affected by COVID-19, whether they or a loved one gets sick or hospitalized. Additionally, the declaration would provide much-needed additional capacity and funding to the state in the event Michigan needs to quickly set up field hospitals or other facilities. “We’ve seen an incredible amount of strength and courage of Michiganders during this time of uncertainty, whether it’s from communities donating food, money, and resources to those that need it or from teachers finding new and creative ways to reach out to their students,” said Governor Whitmer. “While the people and businesses of the great State of Michigan have shown incredible resilience and cooperation throughout this difficult time, we cannot weather this storm alone. I am hopeful that the…