Monthly Archives: October 2020

(October 6, 2020 3:44 PM) Michigan reported 903 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 129,826.  The State of Michigan is reporting 22* COVID-19-related deaths today, with the state total at 6,838.  *The deaths announced today include 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 10/2/2020): 99,521.  This information is updated Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.  Monday reports include Sunday data.  

(October 6, 2020 3:17 PM) Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon today issued Emergency Orders under MCL 333.2253 that maintain protections for Michigan’s most vulnerable populations and staff in residential care settings.  The orders follow the Michigan Supreme Court decision on Friday, Oct 2, that invalidated COVID-19 related executive orders. Under MCL 333.2253, if the MDHHS director determines that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health, the director by emergency order may prohibit the gathering of people for any purpose and may establish procedures to be followed during the epidemic to insure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws.  “Ensuring the health and safety of vulnerable Michiganders and those under our care is of the utmost importance,” Gordon said. “This order reestablishes protections that have helped Michigan sharply reduce the loss of life in nursing homes. With the level of COVID in Michigan rising again, these protections are more critical than ever.”    The residential care order has three major components: notice requirements regarding cases, limitations on visitations and limitations on communal dining.    With respect to notice, under the order, all covered facilities must:  Notify employees…

(October 6, 2020 3:11 PM) Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order requiring K-12 schools to provide public notice to the school community about probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours.  The order requires local health departments to notify schools within 24 hours of learning of a probable or confirmed school-associated case of COVID-19. Upon notification, schools must provide public notification on a highly visible location on the school’s website that covers the impacted building or location within 24 hours. Schools are encouraged to provide information about measures in place at the school to prevent transmission of COVID-19, as well as measures that individuals can take to prevent transmission.   “Recent outbreaks throughout the country demonstrate that COVID-19 can spread quickly in the school setting,” said Gordon. “Timely communication from schools to parents, guardians, students, teachers, staff and other persons affiliated with schools enables members of the school community to take measures to prevent spread of the virus.”  In addition to the public notice, local health departments will continue to provide direct notification to individuals who are, or are suspected, of being a close contact of school-associated case.  This order…

(October 6, 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 1,187 positive cases (cumulative), and 47 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 23 new cases (Jackson County’s largest single-day increase since the pandemic began), and 1 new death since yesterday’s report.    Cumulative recovered, as of October 6, 2020:  838** The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 6:50 PM October 2, there are 1,681 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 171 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 7 AM October 1, there 8 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. The Jackson County Township map and recovery data will be posted each Monday. This week only, the map will be posted on Wednesday, October 7. *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…