Health

(March 30, 2020 4:45 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-32, which places a temporary restriction on non-essential veterinary procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.   The order prohibits all non-essential veterinary procedures starting on March 31, 2020, and encourages veterinarians and veterinary technicians to practice telemedicine as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19.    "While there is no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19, we must take additional steps to promote social distancing,” said Whitmer. “If we want to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, all Michiganders must do their part, stay in their homes, and stay six feet away from others when they’re outside. We’ve taken aggressive steps in the past three weeks to slow the spread of the virus, and I will continue to work every day to ensure we protect the most people we can.”  Under executive order 2020-32, “non-essential veterinary services” means all veterinary services other than those that are necessary to preserve the life of a pet, as determined by a licensed veterinarian; necessary to treat serious pain that threatens the health and safety of a pet, as determined by a licensed veterinarian; necessary to euthanize a pet, as determined by a licensed veterinarian; or necessary to treat or prevent the transmission of any infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and human…

Orbitform Medical mask sanitizer prototype.  Courtesy photo. By Jeff Steers JTV News (March 30, 2020 4:36 PM) Orbitform owner Mike Shirkey challenged his team to come up with a medical device to help with the shortage of face masks/respirators in light of the coronavirus pandemic. That was Saturday, March 21, at noon. Six days later the team from Orbitform produced a prototype device to sanitize a dozen masks at a time using UV lights in an enclosed compartment. The device is called the Orbitform Medical mask sanitizer. A second prototype version is expected later this week. “We have heard of hospitals that were hanging N95 masks on clothes lines in front of UV lights for 30 minutes per side,” Orbitform President Phil Sponsler said. “To go from an idea on a Saturday to a prototype on Thursday is significant.” Orbitform had representatives from Henry Ford Allegiance Health look at the mask sanitizer prototype and give recommendations for changes. He said the device would be useful for small hospitals and emergency technicians. The idea was in response to a national shortage of surgical and medical masks in the United States due to the cononavirus pandemic. In Jackson County, Henry Ford Allegiance…

(March 30, 2020 4:23 PM)  Michigan reported 1,012 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today,  with the state reported total now at 6,498. The State of Michigan is reporting 52 COVID-19-related deaths today, bringing the state total to 184.  Saturday, Henry Ford Allegiance Health reported Jackson County’s first COVID-19 related death. Jackson County Health Department  is reporting there are 38 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Jackson County.   As of 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, there are 16 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. There are also 19 persons under investigation (PUI) who are inpatient at HFAH. This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.. Overall Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by County County Cases Deaths Allegan 2   Antrim 2   Barry 1   Bay 9   Berrien 32   Calhoun 17   Cass 4   Charlevoix 4   Cheboygan 1   Clare 1   Clinton 19   Crawford 1   Delta 1   Detroit City 1801 52 Eaton 15   Emmet 4   Genesee 150 7 Gladwin 2   Gogebic 1 1 Grand Traverse 7   Gratiot 3   Hillsdale 12 1 Houghton 1   Huron…

ERA Reardon Realtor Meredythe Hill-VanDusen helps deliver meals from 308 Brass Rail Bar and Grill during a free lunch event Monday. Photos by Jeff Steers, JTV. By Jeff Steers JTV News (March 30, 2020 3:18 PM) ERA Reardon Chief Sales Officer Matt Mansfield told his sales staff to “go out and be heroes for everybody who needs it right now.” The company is doing its part to thank essential workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. ERA Reardon Cares put up a $600 tab on Monday at 308 Brass Rail Bar and Grill for essential workers to enjoy a lunch on them. The original amount was $500, but an employee kicked in an additional $100 toward the effort. On Monday when hospital workers put in a number of orders, ERA Reardon kicked the amount up to $1,000. Mansfield said this was the first of three in the Jackson area. “We are hoping that grocery stockers, truck drivers, paramedics, and hospital personnel will take advantage of this,” Mansfield said. “This is the best way we can help out on both fronts.” Mansfield said real estate companies are allowed to close on deals still in the works. “We are using virtual…

(March 30, 2020 2:08 PM) As Detroit and parts of southeast Michigan continue to experience a surge of COVID-19 patients seeking treatment in their facilities, the state is asking other Michigan hospitals to help by offering up to 10 percent of their hospital beds for transfer of patients from that part of the state.  “Many of our hospitals particularly in southeast Michigan are at or near capacity. Intensive care units are full and emergency departments are overloaded,” Michigan’s chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said during a news conference Thursday morning. “The only way we’re going to be able to effectively handle this outbreak is by coming together and coordinating our health care resources as a state.” Henry Ford Allegiance Health is doing their part to ease the state’s burden, while working to ensure adequate access for patients living in Jackson and surrounding communities. The hospital released a statement yesterday afternoon to hospital employees and members of Governance, which explained the decision and provided reassurance the hospital is still able to accommodate the local need for treating an increased number of COVID-19 patients. The statement reads as follows: To maximize the efficacy of our ongoing response to the outbreak of…

(March 30, 2020 12:52 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 38 positive cases (cumulative), and one death. As of 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, there are 12 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.  The Jackson County Health Department is now releasing daily numbers of COVID-19 positive cases at 12 PM each day.  The Jackson County Health Department will provide information on number of positive cases, breakdown by age and sex, and number of deaths. Numbers may appear to conflict with the Michigan daily report.  The Michigan daily report is compiled based upon information submitted by Michigan counties at 10 AM each day.  The state report is released daily at 3 PM.  These numbers are posted each day by 12:00 Noon . These numbers do not reflect any cases identified through Michigan Department of Corrections. Jackson County Cumulative Report: Breakdown of COVID-19 positive cases by sex: Gender Number Percent Male 18 47% Female 20 53% Breakdown of COVID-19 positive cases by age: Age - Years Number Percent 0 -19 0 0% 20 - 29 2 5% 30 -…

(March 30, 2020 11:42 AM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2020-3, temporarily restricting discretionary spending by state departments and agencies while they work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. The governor also signed Executive Directive 2020-4, temporarily suspending hiring, creating new positions, filling vacant positions, transfers, and promotions within the executive branch of state government. At a press briefing this morning, Whitmer explained the directives are in line with her number one priority, the health and safety of Michigan residents as coronavirus cases continue to grow. The Governor, joined by Michigan's chief medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said that the number of COVID-19 cases here in Michigan will grow in the coming weeks and the state needs thousands more ventilators to handle the surge of patients. The state will likely need 5,000 to 10,000 more ventilators to help patients suffering from respiratory disease in the state, Khaldun said. Estimates from the Governor’s office show Michigan currently has about 1,700 ventilators. "We are still in the early stages of spread in Michigan and cases have not yet peaked," Khaldun said during the press conference. Regarding the 2 new executive orders, Whitmer said, “I want to thank the countless…

(March 30, 2020 10:45 AM) The Salvation Army of Jackson County announced new restricted hours for operations and the Food Pantry.   In order to limit exposure risk to clients and staff , The Salvation Army of Jackson County will be restricting its operating hours until April 30, 2020 to Monday – Thursday – 8:30 am – 12:00 p.m. The Pantry will be open 10:00 am – 12:00 noon and emergency sanitation protocols will be followed. The Salvation Army issued an appeal for food and personal care item donations.  They are asking the public to donate the following items: Non-perishable food, bread, paper products like paper towels and toilet paper, sanitizing products, protective gloves and face masks. Gift cards are also encouraged. Financial contributions allow us the most flexibility in responding to emerging needs and may be mailed to our address or made online at SAJackson.org. No clothing will be accepted at this time. Items may be dropped off during restricted operating hours at 806 E. Pearl Street – Jackson, MI. Individuals or organizations seeking to arrange a donation drop off time may call 517-787-7185. Individuals seeking counseling can call 517-787-7185 ext. 122 to schedule an appointment. Pastoral assistance may…

(March 30, 2020 10:34 AM) The Michigan National Guard has received a request to aid Food Banks in four communities across the state, including Ann Arbor, Comstock Park, Flint, and Pontiac. Approximately 10 Michigan National Guard members will be serving at each site.  Support to the Food Banks is scheduled to begin March 30 and is expected to continue through mid-April. “The aid that men and women of the Michigan National Guard will provide to Food Banks across Michigan is further proof that the Michigan National Guard is a true cornerstone of Michigan communities,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer “I could not be more proud of their service, commitment, and determination, and they are making a difference in the state’s response to COVID-19.”   The food distribution sites requested Michigan National Guard personnel to assist with mobile food distribution, which serves between 300-600 Michigan families daily. Guard members will direct traffic for the drive-through distribution site and assist with packing bags of fruit and handing bags to cars. The guard members will perform their duties with personnel protective equipment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including gloves and hand sanitizer. Whitmer announced the Michigan National Guard’s involvement in the state-wide response to…