Monthly Archives: March 2020

(March 30, 2020 4:45 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-32, which places a temporary restriction on non-essential veterinary procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.   The order prohibits all non-essential veterinary procedures starting on March 31, 2020, and encourages veterinarians and veterinary technicians to practice telemedicine as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19.    "While there is no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19, we must take additional steps to promote social distancing,” said Whitmer. “If we want to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, all Michiganders must do their part, stay in their homes, and stay six feet away from others when they’re outside. We’ve taken aggressive steps in the past three weeks to slow the spread of the virus, and I will continue to work every day to ensure we protect the most people we can.”  Under executive order 2020-32, “non-essential veterinary services” means all veterinary services other than those that are necessary to preserve the life of a pet, as determined by a licensed veterinarian; necessary to treat serious pain that threatens the health and safety of a pet, as determined by a licensed veterinarian; necessary to euthanize a pet, as determined by a licensed veterinarian; or necessary to treat or prevent the transmission of any infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and human…

Orbitform Medical mask sanitizer prototype.  Courtesy photo. By Jeff Steers JTV News (March 30, 2020 4:36 PM) Orbitform owner Mike Shirkey challenged his team to come up with a medical device to help with the shortage of face masks/respirators in light of the coronavirus pandemic. That was Saturday, March 21, at noon. Six days later the team from Orbitform produced a prototype device to sanitize a dozen masks at a time using UV lights in an enclosed compartment. The device is called the Orbitform Medical mask sanitizer. A second prototype version is expected later this week. “We have heard of hospitals that were hanging N95 masks on clothes lines in front of UV lights for 30 minutes per side,” Orbitform President Phil Sponsler said. “To go from an idea on a Saturday to a prototype on Thursday is significant.” Orbitform had representatives from Henry Ford Allegiance Health look at the mask sanitizer prototype and give recommendations for changes. He said the device would be useful for small hospitals and emergency technicians. The idea was in response to a national shortage of surgical and medical masks in the United States due to the cononavirus pandemic. In Jackson County, Henry Ford Allegiance…

(March 30, 2020 4:23 PM)  Michigan reported 1,012 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today,  with the state reported total now at 6,498. The State of Michigan is reporting 52 COVID-19-related deaths today, bringing the state total to 184.  Saturday, Henry Ford Allegiance Health reported Jackson County’s first COVID-19 related death. Jackson County Health Department  is reporting there are 38 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Jackson County.   As of 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, there are 16 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. There are also 19 persons under investigation (PUI) who are inpatient at HFAH. This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.. Overall Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by County County Cases Deaths Allegan 2   Antrim 2   Barry 1   Bay 9   Berrien 32   Calhoun 17   Cass 4   Charlevoix 4   Cheboygan 1   Clare 1   Clinton 19   Crawford 1   Delta 1   Detroit City 1801 52 Eaton 15   Emmet 4   Genesee 150 7 Gladwin 2   Gogebic 1 1 Grand Traverse 7   Gratiot 3   Hillsdale 12 1 Houghton 1   Huron…

ERA Reardon Realtor Meredythe Hill-VanDusen helps deliver meals from 308 Brass Rail Bar and Grill during a free lunch event Monday. Photos by Jeff Steers, JTV. By Jeff Steers JTV News (March 30, 2020 3:18 PM) ERA Reardon Chief Sales Officer Matt Mansfield told his sales staff to “go out and be heroes for everybody who needs it right now.” The company is doing its part to thank essential workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. ERA Reardon Cares put up a $600 tab on Monday at 308 Brass Rail Bar and Grill for essential workers to enjoy a lunch on them. The original amount was $500, but an employee kicked in an additional $100 toward the effort. On Monday when hospital workers put in a number of orders, ERA Reardon kicked the amount up to $1,000. Mansfield said this was the first of three in the Jackson area. “We are hoping that grocery stockers, truck drivers, paramedics, and hospital personnel will take advantage of this,” Mansfield said. “This is the best way we can help out on both fronts.” Mansfield said real estate companies are allowed to close on deals still in the works. “We are using virtual…