Health

(March 20, 2020 7:55 AM)  Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote a letter to President Trump requesting federal funding for the use of Michigan’s National Guard to be dedicated to COVID-19 response and support. Under the Governor’s command and control, the Michigan National Guard would be used to aid in the distribution of resources like food and supplies to families who have been impacted by the spread of COVID-19.   The Governor urged President Trump to authorize the use of National Guard members under Title 32, United States Code, specifically 502(f). This would allow the immediate and enduring use of the Michigan National Guard for operational support, under the Governor’s command and control, with federal funding for pay, benefits, and equipment. The Title 32 authorization would ensure more streamlined and operationally effective and responsive operations during the COVID-19 crisis.  “Despite the many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, Michiganders have risen to meet the challenge by helping their friends, families, and neighbors in taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread,” said Governor Whitmer in her letter. “My administration has also taken necessary actions to protect families, workers, and businesses against the spread of COVID-19. While I am confident in the unconquerable spirit of our citizens and…

Meijer announced today it is adjusting its store hours for the foreseeable future to allow more time for team members to deep clean and restock its stores, as well as dedicated hours for senior citizens, customers with chronic health conditions, essential service workers and its team members. New store hours are as follows: Meijer stores will close overnight at 10 p.m. local time, beginning Friday, March 20, and will open each morning at 8 a.m. local time. Meijer Express convenience store locations will close overnight at 10 p.m. and open each morning at 8 a.m.; pay-at-the-pump fuel sales will remain available 24 hours a day. Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. local time. Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for essential service workers and Meijer team members on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8 a.m. local time. “These are unprecedented times that require appropriate action to ensure we are supporting the communities where our customers and team members work and live,” said Rick Keyes, Meijer President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our adjusted store hours will ensure all of our…

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved her request for a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration, opening the opportunity to small businesses to access low-interest loans from the SBA.      “This designation unlocks critical financial resources for small businesses across the state impacted by the tough, but necessary steps we have taken to mitigate the spread of coronavirus here in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “While access to these loans is vital, we are continuing to look at every resource available to support our businesses, communities and entrepreneurs around the state impacted by coronavirus.”    The EIDL designation means that Michigan small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak will now have the ability to apply for low-interest loans as part of $1 billion in funding made available to the SBA by Congress earlier this month.   “These SBA loans will provide critical capital for businesses facing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus,” said Mark Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are working closely with the Michigan SBDC and small business organizations around the state to ensure we can overcome…

UPDATED (March 19, 2020 6:33 PM) The count of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today includes results from commercial and clinical labs who recently began providing COVID-19 testing. These results increased the state’s positive case count to a total of 334. (MDHHS corrected number to 334 from 336 Thursday evening) No new cases were reported for Jackson County.  Jackson County has one positive COVID-19 case which was announced on Tuesday. “We are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide testing results from hospitals and other entities outside of our state laboratory,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We knew there were additional people in Michigan with COVID-19 that had not yet been tested. This emphasizes the need to continue to practice social distancing and other community mitigation practices to help slow the spread of this disease.”  MDHHS is currently receiving reports from commercial labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics and several clinical labs including Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the Beaumont Hospital Network, Henry Ford Health System and the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL).   The addition of cases reported from these…

(March 19, 2020 10:50am) For over 134 years, The Salvation Army of Jackson County has been at the frontlines in the war against poverty; uplifting and giving hope to many facing hardships and challenges. Through our mission The Salvation Army is dedicated to serving others and offering hope in a variety of ways. To ensure the delivery of our vital mission and protect the public we are actively monitoring the recent developments regarding the novel Corona Virus Pandemic. In order to limit exposure risk to our clients and staff - The Salvation Army of Jackson County will be restricting its operating hours 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. Individuals seeking counseling can call 517-787-7185 ext. 122 to schedule an appointment. Pastoral assistance may be reached at 517-787-7185 ext. 113. Church services are cancelled until after March 31, 2020. We will continue to monitor this evolving situation and serve our community. To contact the Salvation Army of Jackson County about a gift call Brad Patterson at 517-782-7185 ext#111 or at www.SAJackson.org.