Monthly Archives: December 2020

(December 22, 2020 4:09 PM) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a new program that will give eligible food assistance recipients the opportunity to use their benefits to purchase restaurant meals.  Older adults over 60, people with a disability including those who receive Social Security Income (SSI) or other disability program benefits, and people experiencing homelessness are among those who are eligible.  “No Michigander should worry about how to put food on the table for themselves and their families, especially during a pandemic,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This partnership with our restaurants will ensure people across the state have the support they need this winter. I am grateful for the restaurants that participate in this program and will continue to work around the clock to ensure support for every family. Remember, Michiganders: mask up, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. We will get through this together.” The goal of the Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) is to serve residents who face difficulty preparing their own food due to disability, age, or lack of kitchen access. MDHHS is opening the program for restaurants to enroll with the aim of providing diverse and affordable options for eligible participants across the state.   Restaurants can enroll beginning Dec. 22. MDHHS will announce at a later date when eligible food assistant recipients can…

(December 22, 2020 3:21 PM) Michigan reported 3,082 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 466,485. Michigan is reporting 173* COVID-19-related deaths today, with the state total at 11,705.  *The deaths announced today includes 72 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 12/18/2020): 284,731.  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. 

 (December 22, 2020 2:17 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that her administration will take a number of actions to provide support for Michigan’s families, restaurants, and small businesses. The Whitmer Administration will implement another liquor buyback program for restaurants and bars similar to the one administered earlier this year, as well as partner with Michigan restaurants to allow SNAP benefits for prepared meals. The administration also announced another $2 million for the Eviction Diversion Program to ensure that Michigan families can keep a roof over their head this winter.  “As we head into another Michigan winter, I’ll continue to do everything I can to support  our families and small businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “These actions will ensure that families have the support they need to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads this winter, as well as provide support to local restaurants and small business owners all over the state that are struggling as a result of the pandemic. As we continue working to distribute the safe and effective vaccine and eradicate COVID-19 once and for all, I will keep using every tool in my toolbox to protect our families and small businesses. Remember, Michiganders: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. We will get through this together.”  “This year…

(December 22, 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 7,082 positive cases (cumulative), and 141 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 61 new cases and 3 new deaths since Saturday’s report. Cumulative recovered, as of December 22, 2020:  4,033** The cumulative numbers posted on Mondays include the data from Sunday and Monday.  Recovered numbers are being posted as received. The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 6:45 PM December 18, there are 4,025 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 623 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 11:50 AM December 21, there 59 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 PM. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan…