Jackson County Health Department Weekly Report for May 21, 2021

(May 21, 2021 5:13 PM) The Jackson County Health Department has released its weekly report and it is published here:

Following new CDC guidance, Governor Whitmer recently announced an accelerated reopening plan to move the state closer to normalcy. Beginning June 1, capacity limits will lift for outdoor events and indoor capacity limits will increase to 50%. Throughout June, people not fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask indoors. Beginning July 1, the state will no longer limit capacity at indoor or outdoor gatherings. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is expected to release an updated epidemic order Monday, May 24.

MDHHS has issued Choosing Safer Activities guidance on when to wear a mask or when you can remove it if fully vaccinated or unvaccinated. MDHHS also issued a Guidance for Athletes including updated information related to fully vaccinated participants, coaches and the community. Vaccinations are now available to all persons aged 12 and over. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 2 weeks after a single dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Potential Scam Alert

The Michigan Attorney General’s Office is warning residents of potential scammers who may try to sell COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, test kits, and clinical trial offers. This consumer alert offers tips to avoid becoming a victim and to beware of scammers claiming to be from state or local health departments as well as vaccination clinics, asking for personal information.

According to Attorney General Nessel, you should hang up if a caller claims to be from a government agency or vaccination clinic and states anything similar to:

requests personal information;
make threats;
demand you get vaccinated; or
asks if you are vaccinated or where you received your vaccination.

The Department of Attorney General provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime. Attorney General Nessel encourages everyone to review the COVID-19 vaccine scam alert for more information. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or by calling 877-765-8388.

Vaccine Opportunities

Vaccine location information can be found on the VaccineFinder webpage. Minors aged 12–17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine with parent permission. For a complete list of vaccine opportunities for Jackson residents, please visit or call one of the following:

JCHD sponsored clinics – www.mijackson.org/hd or Call (517) 788-4420, opt 9;
JCHD Facebook page;
HFAH – www.henryford.com/covidvaccine (call 517-788-4067 for ML King Center);
Center for Family Health – Call 517-748-5363;
Pharmacies and other sites – www.Vaccinefinder.org

Homebound individuals who are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact Disability Connections at (517) 998-3084, Region 2 Area on Aging at (517) 592-1976 or the Jackson County Department on Aging at (517) 788-4364.

Jackson County Health Department Updates

The JCHD Immunization and Sexual Health Clinics are now open by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Immunization Clinic is offering the COVID-19 vaccine on a walk-in basis during the month of May on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-3:30pm. To schedule an appointment at the Immunization Clinic, please call (517) 788-4468, and to schedule an appointment at the Sexual Health Clinic, please call (517) 788-4477. JCHD offices are in the process of a gradual reopening, and may still have limited access. Please follow signage and instructions when entering the Health Department for these services.

In order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, residents are encouraged to continue preventative measures as recommended by the CDC, which includes frequently washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance when around others.

Data

Jackson County Health Department reports the following data as of May 21, 2021. This information is also available on the Michigan Vaccine Dashboard which is updated daily (M-F) by 3:00 p.m. Data now reflects the addition of the 12-15 year olds.

COVID case numbers in Jackson County compared to the State of Michigan:

The COVID-19 variants continue to circulate in our community. There is evidence that the B.1.1.7 is still the most prevalent COVID-19 strain spreading in Michigan.

Additional Resources

Jackson County Health Department Webpage

State of Michigan Vaccination and Prioritization Strategy

https://www.mistartmap.info/about

Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Information Page

JCHD COVID Information phone line – (517) 817-4469