Monthly Archives: March 2020

As of 12 p.m. on Friday, March 27, there are 16 positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Jackson County. Ten individuals are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. This is the same number as of Thursday, March 26, with no new positive cases reported.

(March 27, 2020 12:11 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer said this morning that it is “very unlikely” that Michigan’s schools will re-open this school year. Speaking live on WWJ Radio in Detroit, Whitmer said,  "We are working diligently to come up with a plan to meet the needs of our kids. Anyone who's watching globally what's happening with this pandemic probably knows it's not going to be this year."  According to WWJ, Whitmer said the plan for schools and students living in quarantine under the coronavirus outbreak is not one that can be developed overnight, but it is in the works and should be announced soon. Whitmer reminded listeners, “The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home.  I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.”  To hear the interview, click here.

(March 27, 2020 11:46 AM) The State of Michigan is working with utility companies to ensure protections are in place for customers as efforts to help slow the spread of the coronavirus impact families and businesses across the state. Major utilities including the state’s two largest, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, have enacted moratoriums on service disconnections, and are extending flexible payment plans, for low-income customers, seniors and those impacted by illness or job losses related to the pandemic. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order directs Michiganders to stay in their homes except for approved reasons such as critical infrastructure jobs or performing tasks necessary for health and safety, at least through April 13, 2020. “Michiganders are tough, and we will get through this emergency by helping one another,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “We are fortunate that utilities across Michigan have stepped up with proactive policies to assist those in need during this crisis.” “During these unprecedented times with a variety of concerns, worrying about utility bills should not be one of them,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “As Chief Consumer Advocate for this state, I am heartened to hear Michigan utilities voluntarily stepping up to help their customers.”…

(March 27, 2020 11:28 AM) Jackson Area Transportation Authority CEO Michael Brown announce adjustments in service routes and procedures.   Adjustments being made are to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  The following changes are now in effect: Fixed route service is allowing passengers to enter and exit by the rear doors only.  No fare is being collected to keep the distance between the driver and passenger. First three seats of all buses are restricted from being used to promote social distancing. Bus service to Jackson College has been reduced to three trips per day, 12:20, 2:20, and 5:10 pm. Passengers can only ride to an essential service location. I.e.; doctors, pharmacy, groceries, bank, essential work place. JATA continues providing all drivers with sanitary supplies, gloves, disinfect. Passengers and employees are being encouraged to stay home if they are sick or have any of the COVID-19 symptoms. Brown said, “The safety of our passengers and employees is our most important concern.  We will continue to follow the recommendations from the CDC, local Health and Human Services Department, and orders from the Governors office.”

(March 27, 2020 9:19 AM) Henry Ford Allegiance Health has set up a Respiratory Clinic for patients experiencing COVID-like symptoms. The Henry Ford Allegiance Townsend Walk-In Clinic has been designated as a HFAH’s temporary Respiratory Clinic specifically for patients with respiratory symptoms, such as new onset cough, shortness of breath, congestion or fever. Anyone entering the Townsend campus will be screened in their car and directed where to park. We are asking patients to use the Hinckley Boulevard entrance to the Townsend campus. The temporary Respiratory Clinic will see patients on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. We are asking those patients with respiratory symptoms to wear a mask, scarf or bandana to cover mouth/nose, until they are seen by our clinicians and we can provide them with a mask. Patients with non-respiratory acute care needs, who would normally be seen at Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine - Townsend, will be seen at Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine - North Street, located at 1401 W. North Street in Jackson.The temporary Respiratory Clinic at Townsend begins seeing patients Friday, March 27, 2020. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The…

(March 26, 2020 10:12 PM) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today issued an urgent consumer alert urging Michiganders to be on high alert for bad actors aiming to coerce them out of their personal information in a new federal stimulus payment scam.     Scammers are using the news that the federal government will send one-time payments to millions of people across the country as part of the federal economic relief response to COVID-19 to steal personal information.  The Michigan Department of Attorney General has already received reports that residents are getting emails from websites appearing to be official demanding that they provide PayPal, bank account or other financial information to receive the $1,200 federal stimulus payment immediately.   The Attorney General’s office is reminding anyone who receives a text, email or phone call from someone claiming to be from the government with a check for them — DO NOT FALL FOR IT. These fake phishing scams will likely ask for a person’s bank account information and insist $1,000 or more will be deposited directly into his or her bank account.   Personal information should not be given to anyone unless the provider of that information is absolutely certain of the identity of the person requesting it. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the federal stimulus payment and specific disbursement details, only visit the IRS website.