Monthly Archives: July 2020

(July 29, 2020 2:42 PM) Today, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-159 to allow Michigan’s colleges and universities to proceed with converting large spaces for instruction without approval or inspection.   “Our college students and educators have made tremendous sacrifices over the past four months to protect each other from the spread of COVID-19. When it comes to instruction in the fall, Michigan’s colleges and universities are working tirelessly to provide a safe environment for students and staff,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am committed to doing everything in my power to remove barriers for individuals, business and schools to fight COVID-19. This order will make it easier for our colleges and universities to educate Michigan’s college students in the most safe and efficient way by ensuring everyone can maintain safe physical distancing.”   Executive Order 2020-159 amends the Michigan Administrative Code during the State of Emergency to allow colleges and universities converting large spaces to provide  socially distanced learning without inspection or approval from the Bureau of Fire Services.   Under the order, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) will issue further guidance governing temporary approval of the use of a space as an instructional facility.  To view Executive Order 2020-159, click the link below:   EO 2020-159 Emerg order - Fire Marshal.pdf

(July 29, 2020 12:16 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 631 positive cases (cumulative), and 32 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 19 new cases since yesterday’s report.   This is the largest single-day increase since April 12. Cumulative recovered, as of July 24, 2020:  445** The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 8:45 PM Sunday, July 26, there are 1,461 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 158 confirmed positive staff cases. As of 9 AM July 29, there are 7 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections.  Their numbers are listed under a separate category for MDOC cases here:   Michigan Statistics. This FAQ from the Jackson County Health Department explains how the numbers are posted and what they mean. **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 290 46.0% Female 341 54.0% The Age group is reported…

(July 29. 2020 11:22 AM) Emergency Medical Services and emergency departments in Michigan have both seen substantial increases in opioid overdoses since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic. These increases are a tragic reminder of the continued toll of the opioid epidemic, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges anyone with opioid use disorder to carry naloxone and practice other safety measures to prevent overdose deaths. According to statistics gathered by MDHHS, EMS responses for opioid overdose increased by 33 percent from April to May of this year. Additionally, EMS responses for opioid overdoses from April through June 2020 were 26 percent higher than the same period in 2019. EMS responses for opioid overdoses increased for all regions and nearly all demographic groups, with the exception of residents aged 65 years and older. “Opioid overdoses kill far too many Michiganders, and it’s a double tragedy that the pandemic has exacerbated this crisis,” said Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, chief deputy for health and chief medical executive. “If you or someone you love has an opioid use disorder, please take steps to prevent overdose deaths – like carrying naloxone and never using alone.” The data provides other insights on…