Health

(March 19, 2021 9:18 AM) Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its Gatherings and Mask epidemic order, allowing up to 20% capacity in outdoor stadiums and arenas that establish infection control plans. The update also increases testing for youth ages 13-19 to ensure athletes can safely participate in sports. The changes are designed to balance day-to-day activities while controlling the spread of COVID-19 and saving Michiganders’ lives. Although progress has been made, it is crucial that Michiganders continue to mask up and socially distance as we take steps to get back to normal. The changes to the Order go into effect Monday, March 22, and remain in effect through Monday, April 19. "The pandemic has been hard on all of us, but by staying focused on acting quickly, following the science, and listening to experts, we can save lives and help our economy recover faster," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "Today's action is an important step towards normalcy, but there's still more work to do. As always, mask up, maintain social distancing and wash your hands. We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of the virus so we can end this pandemic together. By April 5, all Michiganders will be eligible for the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is the most effective way to protect you and your family from the virus, and…

(March 18, 2021 3:47 PM) Michigan reported 2,629 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 618,421. Michigan is reporting 25* COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total at 15,835. *The deaths announced today includes 24 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 3/12/21): 556,697. 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. 

(March 18, 2021 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12:00 PM today, there are 9,802 positive cases (cumulative), and 220 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 68 new cases since yesterday’s report.  Cumulative recovered, as of March 18: 8841** 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 4:30 PM March 12, there are 4,826 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 591 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 9 AM March 16,  there are 14 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…

(March 18, 2021 7:27 AM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced that more than 55,900 individuals who work in entertainment, recreational and indoor food-service venues will begin receiving grant payments of $793. Applications were processed through the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (MRLAEF).  The grants are part of the Employee Assistance Grants program, which was created through a $45 million bipartisan budget appropriation signed by Governor Whitmer in late 2020. Individuals whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were eligible to apply for the grants in January.    “As we continue to address the effects of COVID-19, our top priority is providing financial relief to Michigan families and small businesses, so that we can grow our economy and get back to normal,” Governor Whitmer said. “This special grant program puts dollars in the pockets of Michiganders who work in hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors -- as well as the gym and fitness sectors. These Michiganders have made great sacrifices and continue to make great sacrifices as we fight COVID-19.”    Michiganders impacted by the MDHHS pandemic orders must have been working in one of the following industries to qualify for an Employee Assistance Grant:  Bars  Banquet Halls  Bowling Alleys  Cafeterias  Casinos  Caterers  Food Trucks  Golf Courses  Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfast,…

(March 17, 2021 5:50 PM) Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its Residential Care Facilities Order to reflect recent changes in Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance for visitation. The state recently rolled out an expanded visitation program, using a testing protocol to keep residents and staff safe. The updated order and accompanying guidance continues to support visitation and improve quality of life for seniors while maintaining precautions to help keep residents and staff safe. Testing is strongly encouraged prior to visitation, particularly in counties with medium or high positivity, but not required. The order goes into effect immediately.  “Throughout the pandemic we have focused on protecting vulnerable long-term care residents from COVID-19, which has required physical separation from family and other loved ones,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The new CMS guidance provides reasonable ways these facilities can safely facilitate in-person visitation to address the needs of residents.”  Michigan has made protecting the health and safety of our seniors and most vulnerable residents a top priority. The state acted quickly to slow the spread of the virus in nursing homes, followed CDC guidance, secured PPE, provided more than 1.3 million antigen tests for patients…

(March 17, 2021 4:38 PM) Michigan reported 3,164 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 615,792.  The state reported the largest daily increase today of new cases since January 9, 2021. Michigan is reporting 0 COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total remaining at 15,810.  This is the first time since August 7, 2020 the state has reported zero deaths. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 3/12/21): 556,697. 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. 

(March 17, 2021 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12:00 PM today, there are 9,734 positive cases (cumulative), and 220 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 67 new cases since yesterday’s report.  Cumulative recovered, as of March 17: 8831** 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 4:30 PM March 12, there are 4,826 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 591 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 9 AM March 16,  there are 14 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…

Members of the East Jackson High School Trojan Marching Band participate in the 2019 Rose Parade.  JTV photo. (March 17, 2021 11:16 AM) The Jackson County Rose Festival today announced the decision to cancel this year’s Jackson Country Rose Parade.  In a statement, the Rose Festival Board Chairman Jim Francis said, “As we all try our best to follow the guidelines to limit the spread of the COVID 19 virus it has become apparent that creating a situation that may gather large groups of people together is not in the best interest of our community.  After discussions with local officials and taking into consideration state guidelines that limit the amount of people at an outdoor gathering we feel this is the only resolution.” In 2020, the Rose Parade was among the long list of community events cancelled due to the pandemic. The Rose Parade typically requires a large group of volunteers to handle the advance work of organizing the parade months in advance.  Logistically the Rose Festival has not been able to gather a large enough group of volunteers to do the work of organizing the parade. This lack of volunteers and the costs and the hours of work that…

(March 17, 2021 10:26 AM)  A COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law by President Biden continues federal unemployment insurance programs which were set to expire on March 13, 2021. Individuals with claims of any type should continue to certify as usual. Most claimants will not experience a gap in benefits as long as they remain eligible and continue to certify. Unemployment provisions under the federal American Rescue Plan are extended from March 13 – Sept. 4, 2021: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides coverage to the self-employed, gig workers and others in non-traditional employment. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program (PEUC), which provides additional weeks of benefits to those who exhaust their regular state benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), which provides all unemployment recipients with an additional $300 per week. Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides an additional $100 per week to claimants on some benefits programs who have self-employment income of at least $5,000. The relief package also includes the extension of 100% federal financing for the use of the Work Share program. “Continuation of these federal benefit programs will provide some financial breathing room to Michigan workers as we continue to fight the effects of COVID-19,” said Liza…

Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies at City Hall.  Courtesy photo. (March 16, 2021 6:25 PM) Like most annual events over the past year, Jackson’s State of the City Address is going virtual. Mayor Derek Dobies will deliver his 2021 State of the City Address in a recorded video that is slated to premiere on the City’s website and social media on Wednesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. This is the City’s Fourth Annual State of the City Address. In previous years, the address was held in different venues across the City depending on the event theme. Past State of the City events were held at the Michigan Theatre, former Masonic Temple, and the Martin L. King, Jr. Center.  Wanting to be mindful of COVID-19 safety, City officials decided to hold this year’s address virtually. The 2021 message was recorded in the Mayor’s Office in Jackson City Hall. Mayor Dobies says his message will look back at the struggles and accomplishments of the last year, and look toward the future. “The State of the City has been, and will continue to be, a celebration of Jackson’s continue progress,” Dobies said. “I will call attention to what we’ve been able to accomplish despite…