Monthly Archives: August 2020

(August 6, 2020 7:10 AM) The first COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers in Michigan received their first shots yesterday, in an effort to help find a safe, effective vaccine to the deadly coronavirus. Henry Ford Health System is the first hospital system in Michigan to administer a COVID-19 vaccine study. The pioneering hospital system, a leading research institution in Michigan, is the only Phase 3 trial site for the Moderna mRNA-1273 Coronavirus Efficacy (COVE) vaccine study in the state. “This is a historic moment,” said Dr. Marcus Zervos, Division Chief of Infectious Disease for Henry Ford Health System. “A vaccine is our best hope in the fight against COVID-19, and we’re glad to be a part of bringing this opportunity to the Midwest.” One of the first volunteers was Ashley Wilson, 24, of Taylor, who worked across from the World Trade Center in March, employed in public policy in Manhattan after graduating from the University of Michigan in 2018.  Then COVID-19 hit.  “We thought we’d be back to work in two weeks,” said Ashley, who was told a few days later that the office would be shut down for months. She stuck it out until her lease was up in June, determined she wouldn’t…

(August 5, 2020 5:40 PM) The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will request several federal waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements in the School Nutrition Programs (SNP), in accordance with federal guidance, on behalf of all SNP sponsors determined to be in good standing in the state of Michigan. MDE is seeking to request statewide waivers for School Year 2020-2021 for the following: Non-congregate meal service, parent pickup, and adjustments to mealtime requirements for Special Milk Program, Afterschool Snack Program, Seamless Summer Option, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Requirements for potable water, age-grade groups structure in the NSLP, and milk variety in the NSLP. Requirement to provide enrichment activities with the Afterschool Snack Program. These waivers will help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus by providing sponsors the flexibility to serve meals and snacks outside of the regular cafeteria settings. The waivers will also minimize the complexity of the meal pattern requirements for SNP sponsors. SNP sponsors will be required to notify MDE which waivers are selected for use in their schools. Upon approval of the waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), further guidance will be issued to SNP sponsors in Michigan. For questions about…

(August 5, 2020 5:34 PM) Michigan reported 657 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 84,707. The State of Michigan is reporting 2 COVID-19-related deaths today, with the state total now at 6,221. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 7/31/2020): 60,022.  This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.