Jackson County Health Department Weekly Report for May 28, 2021

(May 28, 2021 11:58 AM) The Jackson County Health Department has released the weekly report published here:

On Monday, May 24, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the MIOSHA Return to Work Guidelines. These updates are expected to coincide with her “MI Vacc to Normal” Campaign. Some of the changes to the Return to Work Guidelines are the following:

Employers should continue to have and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules.
Masks or face coverings and social distancing will not be required of fully vaccinated employees as long as an effective policy is in place to ensure non-vaccinated individuals comply with social distancing and mask wearing.
Mask wearing is still mandatory in settings such as healthcare settings where patients may be present or when using public transportation such as airplanes, buses or trains.
Definitions have been updated to reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees.
Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations.

A new Gathering and Facemask Order dated June 1^st has been posted which lifts capacity limits for outdoor events and indoor capacity limits will increase to 50%. An infographic explaining the basics is available here or on the MDHHS Epidemic Orders site. A Frequently Asked Questions document is available to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding the changes expected with the order. 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.

Remember that a person is not fully vaccinated until two weeks have passed since completion of the vaccine series – (2 shots for Moderna or Pfizer and 1 shot for Johnson and Johnson). It is important to recognize that someone may still choose to wear a mask even if they have been immunized due to personal preference or elevated health risks as a result of an illness such as cancer, COPD or other immuno suppressive disorders.

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
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 on Mondays (beginning after Memorial Day), Tuesday and Thursday 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 and programs 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 27, 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:

**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.

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