Jackson County Health Department Weekly COVID-19 Report, Public Health Week Edition

(April 8, 2021 8:24 PM)  The Jackson County Health Department has begun a regular weekly COVID-19 report.  Following is the report dated and released today:

National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2021 is an annual celebration of public health championed by the American Public Health Association.  In honor of NPHW and its 2021 theme Building Bridges to Better Health, the Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) recognizes public health professionals in Jackson County for the dedicated, compassionate care and support that reaches beyond barriers to the entire Jackson community.   National Public Health Week is a great time to think about your health and safety and remember the importance of public health and prevention measures.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of public health and collaborative relationships that serve to protect our community. The Jackson County Health Department would like to express appreciation to community organizations and agencies that have worked with us in the midst of the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetime.  We appreciate and celebrate the following JCHD partners during NPHW 2021:

• Brown’s Advanced Care Pharmacy;
• Careline Health Group;
• Center for Family Health;
• Country Market Pharmacies;
• Emergency Medical Consultants;
• David Halsey, MD;
• Fresenius Kidney Care;
• Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy Solutions;
• Grass Lake Community Pharmacy/ Indispensable Health;
• Henry Ford Allegiance Health;
• Home Town Pharmacy;
• Jackson County Department of Transportation;
• Meijer Pharmacy;
• Michigan National Guard;
• Napoleon Fire/Police Department;
• Walmart;
• Weatherwax – Brooklyn
• Weatherwax – Spring Arbor;
• Weatherwax – Vandercook Lake.

Jackson County Health Department and health partners are administering the COVID-19 vaccine based on guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services which follows Centers for Disease Control recommendations.  As of April 5, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine is available to residents aged 16 and over.  For the most up-to-date information about vaccine distribution, visit the Jackson County Health Department COVID vaccine webpage. Additionally, please visit vaccinefinder.org and see the list of clinic locations below.

Jackson County Health Department reports the following data as of April 7, 2021, This information is also available on the Michigan Vaccine Dashboard which is updated daily (M-F) by 3:00 p.m.

**Recovered = alive 30 days after onset date (if onset date is missing, then referral date). This calculation is using the Patient Status variable to distinguish alive vs deceased

Current Trends in Jackson County:  The rate of COVID cases in Jackson County continue to rise as demonstrated by levels stated above.  The State of Michigan data (https://www.mistartmap.info/ ) website data provides the opportunity to compare Jackson County to other communities in the State of Michigan.  The State of Michigan and Jackson County continue

to see elevated cases of COVID-19.  Residents are strongly encouraged to continue to practice preventative measures recommended by the CDC (listed below).  Current trends in Jackson include an increase in school age individuals, as well as those residents in the 30-50 age group.  We continue to see a spread of the B 1.1.7 and B 1.351 variant, which are more transmissible.  Until further notice, Jackson County Courts will revert back to Phase 2 in the 4-phased COVID response plan, established by the Michigan Supreme Court.   We continue working on behalf of the residents of Jackson County, to have a safe and healthy community.

• The Jackson County Health Department COVID vaccine webpage remains a source of information Data is updated daily with a graph and COVID numbers broken down by gender, age, race and ethnicity.  In addition, maps are posted weekly, by township and school district, which provide a visual image of COVID cases throughout Jackson County.
• Vaccines are distributed to Jackson County residents in coordination with our healthcare partners such as hospitals, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, and the local public health department.
• Clinic Locations:  Updated information on locations and vaccine availability can be found at vaccinefinder.org.