Monthly Archives: August 2020

(August 18, 2020 6:44 PM) Michigan State University President Dr. Samuel L. Stanley, Jr. announced today that all fall classes would start in a remote format and told students to stay home and continue their education with MSU remotely. In-person classes were scheduled to begin September 2.  The University is telling undergraduate students who had planned to live in residence halls to stay home. Those planning to live off campus are being advised to consider staying in their home communities. The announcement comes on the same day the Ingham County Health Department issued an emergency order stating that no more than 25 people may gather outdoors in East Lansing.  The Department said, “Based on public health and enforcement data, an area of increased public health risk for COVID19 exists within the City of East Lansing. This increased risk is based on the frequency of large social gatherings requiring enforcement action within the area”. Dr. Stanley’s letter: As president of Michigan State University, it is my ultimate responsibility to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. That has been my guiding principle since I arrived at this great university last year, and even more so since the coronavirus…

(August 18, 2020 3:28 PM) Michigan reported 477 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 93,662. The State of Michigan is reporting 15* COVID-19-related death today, with the state total at at 6,340.  *The deaths announced today includes 7 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 8/14/2020): 67,778.  This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.

(August 18, 2020 3:18 PM) Today, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits.   “Right now, there are an unprecedented number of Michiganders who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide some much needed support for families that are struggling to put food on the table or pay their bills, but it’s a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” said Governor Whitmer.“A robust Congressional recovery package that meets the scale of this crisis is what’s needed to help individuals who have lost work as a result of the pandemic get through this unprecedented time.”  The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Eligible claimants will be paid benefits retroactive to August 1. It is unclear at this time how long funding for the program will last.   “We look forward to receiving a response from FEMA in order to implement and distribute these additional funds to Michiganders as quickly…

(August 18, 2020 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 726 positive cases (cumulative), and 35 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 2 new cases and 1 new death since yesterday’s report.  Cumulative recovered, as of August 15, 2020:  537** The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 4:10 PM August 14, there are 1,469 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 157 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 9 AM August 12, there are 9 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. Beginning August 17th the Jackson County Township map and recovery data will be posted each Monday at the same time as the number data.    *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…