Monthly Archives: January 2021

(January 29, 2021 4:18 PM) Henry Ford Health System today provided an update on the health system’s vaccination efforts and reminded the community to continue practicing vigilance, particularly with businesses reopening next week.  The latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) order allows restaurants to resume in-person dining, along with other business categories having some restrictions lifted. Dr. Adnan Munkarah, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer noted the rates of hospitalizations and positive test results continue to decline, but expressed concern about the coming weeks.  “We continue to encourage mask-wearing and social distancing as the most effective preventative measure, but remind the community to be cautious in light of business reopenings, Super Bowl gatherings and new variants of COVID-19,” said Munkarah. As of today, HFHS has administered 65,000 doses of vaccine. This includes first and second doses given to Henry Ford team members, Henry Ford patients 65 and older who have certain high-risk conditions, community-based healthcare workers not employed by a health system (independent doctors, home care specialists and others in the 1A criteria) and essential workers. 16,022 patients have been fully vaccinated (first and second doses). Bob Riney  HFHS President of Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating…

(January 29, 2021 3:05 PM) Michigan reported 1,774 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 557,883. Michigan is reporting 6 COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total at 14,497. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 1/22/21): 463,106. 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. 

(January 29, 2020 2:50 PM) The Protect Michigan Commission, comprised of a diverse group of leaders from across the state charged with helping raise awareness about the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, hosted its first meeting today and unveiled Michigan’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy.  Established by Executive Order 2020-193, the commission serves as an advisory group to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  “The work of the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission will help Michigan reach its goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day and help ensure all Michiganders have a plan to get their vaccine once it is their turn,” said Governor Whitmer. “The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is our way forward out of this pandemic and will allow us to return to a sense of normalcy and a strong Michigan economy.”  “As we work to ensure that every Michigander who wants a vaccine will get one, the Protect Michigan Commission will play a vital role in reaching out to Michiganders in every part of our state,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “The best thing we can do right now is to work together to ensure that Michiganders, especially those with questions and those hardest hit during the pandemic,…

(January 29, 2021 2:40 PM) The State of Michigan is expanding on the new MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program. Under the voluntary program, restaurants utilize a licensed HVAC contractor or engineer to inspect their ventilation systems and receive recommended changes to improve circulation within their workplace and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. The program’s parameters are based on the best guidance available from the CDC, EPA and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The program, directed by the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), will help make restaurants operate more safely – for their workforce, diners and local communities – and help diners identify restaurants committed to safer operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants are encouraged to have their HVAC system inspected to ensure effective ventilation. Proper and efficient HVAC systems or other ventilation changes, along with compliance with MDHHS and MIOSHA orders and guidance, can lower the probability of transmission in indoor settings. Once restaurants successfully complete the voluntary process, they will receive a certificate to post at their establishments that verifies their participation. “This voluntary program compliments the State’s outreach and educational efforts related to HVAC and other workplace safety programs,” said COVID-19 Workplace…

(January 29, 2021 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 8,656 positive cases (cumulative), and 195 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 20 new cases since yesterday’s report.  Cumulative recovered, as of January 29, 2020:  7,379** 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 7:30 PM January 22, there are 4,440 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 560 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of January 20, there are 19 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 Department of Corrections.  Their numbers…