Governor Whitmer Creates Bipartisan Task Force, Takes Action to Protect Nursing Home Residents and Staff from COVID-19
(June 26, 2020 3:27 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders to protect Michigan Nursing Home residents and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order 2020-135 creates the bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-136, which extends existing safety measures to maintain restrictions regarding entry to care facilities designed to protect vulnerable populations. Since it was first issued on March 14, this order has prohibited entry into a nursing home without undergoing a rigorous screening protocol designed to protect facilities from COVID-19. “We have taken great strides here in Michigan to protect families from the spread of COVID-19 and lower the chance of a second wave, but it’s crucial that we stay vigilant and work around the clock to protect our most vulnerable residents and those who have dedicated their lives to caring for them,” said Governor Whitmer. “These actions will help our state protect more nursing home residents and staff in the case of a second wave. Moving forward, I will work closely with the task force and with everyone who wants to help us protect our most vulnerable communities, the heroes on the front lines, and our families from this virus.” The Michigan Nursing Homes…
Jackson County Cumulative Report: 471 COVID-19 Positive Cases and 29 Deaths
(June 26, 2020 12:56 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County. As of 12 PM today, there are 471 positive cases (cumulative), and 29 deaths (cumulative)*. There are 3 new cases since yesterday’s report. No new deaths have been reported since June 7. Cumulative recovered** patients (cumulative): 417 (updated weekly, as of June 26). The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 4:30 PM Thursday, June 25, there are 1,587 confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities, 156 Confirmed Positive Jackson staff. As of 6 AM on Wednesday, June 24, there are 2 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections. Their numbers are listed under a separate category "Others" for the Michigan Statistics. **Recovered is defined as the number of persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset (or referral date if onset is not available). Gender Number of Cases Percent Male 224 47.6% Female 247 52.4% The Age group is reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number. Age - Years Percent…
Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Creating Eviction Diversion Program
(June 26, 2020 12:16 PM) Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-134 extending the temporary suspension of evictions until July 15 and creating the Eviction Diversion Program, which outlines a process for renters to get fast rental assistance or establish a manageable payment plan to keep Michiganders in their homes. Rental assistance under the Eviction Diversion Program will be available beginning July 16. “No Michigander should have to worry about losing their home during a global health pandemic and, at the same time, landlords and management companies need rent from their tenants to sustain their businesses,” Governor Whitmer said. “This innovative new program will save lives, save money, and save businesses by keeping families in their homes and providing immediate financial relief to landlords for back rent they’re due.” Under Executive Order 2020-134, $50 million of rental assistance will be made available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10% of the amount due. Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the Eviction Diversion Program will be entered into manageable payment plans facilitated by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-17. The…
Threat for Severe Storms this Afternoon and Evening
(June 26, 2020 11:45 AM) Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening between roughly 4 PM and midnight according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds will be the main threat as lines of storms sweep from west to east. Winds in excess of 60 mph are possible. The strongest of storms will also be capable of large hail and an isolated tornado. Locally heavy rain is expected as well...with the possibility of flooding. A warm front will be pushing into southern lower Michigan this afternoon followed by a cold front tonight into Saturday. The threat of severe weather remains into early Saturday morning. Consumers Energy is prepared to respond to high winds and strong thunderstorms expected later today and tonight across Michigan, especially in southern portions of the state. Thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 65 mph could produce downed wires and power outages. Consumers Energy says response crews will be taking COVID-19 precautions such as practicing social distancing in their vehicles and other work locations, completing medical screening prior to their shift and regularly cleaning vehicles and other work surfaces. While Consumers Energy greatly appreciates residents who often come out of their homes to talk when…
Nearly 100 Compete in Mercer Tour Event in Brooklyn
Brett Potter hits a shot during the R.W. Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour event at Hills’ Heart of the Lakes Golf Course on Thursday. Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports. By Jeff Steers JTV Sports Soon-to-be Western High School graduate Brett Potter dreams of the day he can become a head professional at a private golf course. His experiences at the R.W. Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour the last six years have come in handy. Potter has learned about tournaments, improving at the game, and the rules and etiquette. The WHS senior – who will graduate on Friday – was one of nearly 100 golfers who played in the Mercer Tour event at Hills’ Heart of the Lakes Golf Course on Thursday. Golfers competed in an alternate shot format with a twist. Each of the golfers teed off at each hole, with the team choosing the best one. The player whose drive was not chosen, hit the next shot, and the two-man team alternated shots until the hole was over. Potter and teammate Noah Abbey finished fourth in the boys all ages with a 77. Potter said his experiences in the Mercer Tour has brought out his love for the…
MDOC: 1,587 Confirmed Positive Cases at Jackson Facilities, 156 Confirmed Positive Jackson Staff
(June 26, 2020 6:14 AM) The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 2 PM Thursday, June 25, there are 3,994 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at facilities throughout the state. Of that statewide total, 1,587 of the confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities. In Jackson, there are 505 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at Parnall Correctional Facility, 298 at Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center, 69 at Duane Waters Health Center and 715 at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility. Among staff, there are a total of 375 COVID-19 positive cases statewide. In Jackson, there are 74 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among employees at Parnall Correctional Facility, 2 at Cooper Street Correctional Facility, 37 at Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center, 40 at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility and 3 at Jackson Regional Warehouse. There have been a total of 68 deaths (statewide) of prisoners who had tested positive for COVID-19, 22 of those deaths were among prisoners at Jackson facilities. The most recent death, reported on June 2, was of a prisoner who had originally been housed at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility. The Michigan Department of Corrections is listed as a separate jurisdiction in the daily…