As COVID-19 Cases Rise, State Emphasizes Worker Protections in Offices, Remote Work Policies
(November 12, 2020 3:29 PM) To further protect workers from the increased spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched a State Emphasis Program (SEP) focused on office settings that addresses the need for increased vigilance, education and enforcement on remote work policies. Workplaces continue to be a significant source of spread and outbreaks as Michigan battles COVID-19 throughout the state. On November 5, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported 18 new outbreaks from the previous week tied to office settings and is continuing to track 21 outbreaks tied to offices previously reported. It is imperative that employers implement the mitigation strategies and promote remote work to alleviate potential outbreaks. “Workplace outbreaks are increasing along with the state’s community numbers,” said Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety Sean Egan. “While employers are working hard to mitigate the spread, congregation of individuals whether at the workplace or a social gathering can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.” In MIOSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules, employers are required to create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely. Under statute, MIOSHA can…
Michigan Reports 6,940 Coronavirus Cases Today, State Total Now 236,225
(November 12, 2020 3:20 PM) Michigan reported 6,940 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 236,225. The State of Michigan is reporting 45 COVID-19-related deaths today, with the state total at 7,811. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 11/6/2020): 128,981. 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.
Michigan COVID-19 Hospitalizations Increase at Record Rate; Hospitals Urge Public Vigilance as Holidays Approach
(November 12, 2020 11:57 AM) COVID-19-related hospitalizations continue to rise significantly, increasing by 100% over the past two weeks and establishing the largest increase in hospitalizations since the surge began in October, according to newly released data from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). In total, 3,071 patients are currently hospitalized in Michigan hospitals due to COVID-19 (Figure 1). In addition, the average daily COVID-19 hospital admissions for the past 30 days are 344, which exceeds the average of 301 experienced in April. All regions except southeast Michigan have seen record numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations. The Saginaw region now has the highest hospitalization rate per 100,000 people. (Figure 2). Current trends could result in nearly 5,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients within the next few weeks if nothing is done to change the growth rate of the surge. The MHA and its members statewide are asking for the public’s help in protecting their workers and communities and preventing serious capacity issues. The public is urged to reduce socialization, stay distanced and always wear a mask outside the home. Figure 1 Figure 2 “Michigan is at a pivotal point in our fight against the spread of COVID-19,” said MHA Chief Medical…
Jackson County Cumulative Report: 2,876 COVID-19 Positive Cases and 79 Deaths
(November 12, 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 2,876 positive cases (cumulative), and 79 deaths (cumulative)*. There are 112 new cases since yesterday's report. Cumulative recovered, as of November 12, 2020: 1401** The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 10:30 PM November 6, there are 1,716 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 206 confirmed positive staff cases. MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 8 AM November 9, there 47 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. Note: Jackson County will post COVID-19 data daily by mid-afternoon, Monday-Saturday, keeping with the schedule established by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The cumulative numbers posted on Monday will include the data from Sunday and Monday. Recovered numbers are being posted as received. Epicurve data and Township maps are also posted on Mondays by 3:30 p.m. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections. Their numbers are listed under a separate category and reported by the state at Michigan Statistics. **Recovered is defined as…
