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Coronavirus

COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 identified in Houghton County

HANCOCK – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) that the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories identified the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in five Houghton County cases. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant is thought to have emerged in the United Kingdom and has since been detected in many countries and states. Compared to the original virus, the B.1.1.7 variant is approximately 50% more transmissible, leading to faster spread and potentially increasing the numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. “When a ...

AG Nessel notifies Michigan tenants of CDC eviction moratorium extension

LANSING – As people across the nation struggle to pay monthly rent, Attorney General Dana Nessel is alerting Michigan tenants to an extension of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) eviction moratorium – now extended through June 30. If qualified, tenants must fill out an eviction protection declaration form and provide it to their landlord. The CDC states that while the moratorium is in effect, tenants may be protected from eviction, late fees, and utility shutoffs due to non-payment. The moratorium is intended to delay costs for renters, reducing the impact of the pandemic on ...

MDHHS ramps up testing at nursing homes, schools, airports, communities to slow spread of COVID-19

LANSING — To help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is ramping up testing and urging Michiganders to continue mitigation practices that help slow the spread of the virus. “Now is the time for us all to come together and do what’s necessary to end this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We are making progress in the fight against the virus with more than 4 million doses administered and 2.6 million Michiganders having at least their first dose of ...

MIOSHA launches COVID-19 citations dashboard

LANSING — To enhance transparency and provide ongoing information related to COVID-19 workplace safety violations, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has launched a new online resource to streamline reporting of workplace safety citations related to COVID-19. In addition to the full citation document and a brief description of the violation(s), the online resource will update where each citation is in the enforcement process. The dashboard includes the following categories: — Citations abated, penalty paid, case closed — Awaiting abatement or ...

Aspirus issues updated visitor guidelines

LAURIUM – Aspirus Health today updated its visitor guidelines at its locations across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The new guidelines ease restrictions to allow one dedicated visitor or support person for the duration of a patient’s visit or stay. This applies across all patient care settings with the following exceptions: — Compassionate care – Exceptions can be made to allow additional visitors at the discretion of the care team during end-of-life, labor and delivery, and disability situations. — Pediatric patients – Two primary adult support persons per patient are ...

Finlandia University plans for return to in-person instruction for fall 2021

HANCOCK — Finlandia University has announced its plans to return to in-person instruction for the Fall 2021. Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, the university has provided a safe living and learning environment with a blend of multiple course delivery modalities and robust health and safety policies. These policies have followed local, state and federal guidance and regulations that have kept positive cases down and controlled community spread. “Finlandia will be both vigilant and hopeful as we complete our spring semester and prepare for fall 2021,” President Philip Johnson ...