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Coronavirus

Michigan expands vaccine eligibility phase 1B

LAURIUM – The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) further expanded Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. This means the following are now eligible: — Adults age 50+ with medical conditions and disabilities*. — Caregivers of children with special health care needs. *All adults age 50 to 64 will become eligible on March 22 in Michigan. Individuals within these newly eligible groups can request vaccination through Aspirus and appointments will be made available based on vaccine supply. “The vaccine allocations we have received of late have allowed us to ...

MDARD Director McDowell issues emergency rules to protect agricultural workers

LANSING — Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell issued Pandemic Public Health Measures in Migrant Agricultural Worker Housing Emergency Rules, which require licensed housing providers to create and implement plans to prevent exposure to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, care for individuals with COVID-19, and take measures to help prevent the spread of the virus among workers. The emergency rules are similar to guidance issued by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in 2020, including provisions ...

MIOSHA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Ambassador Program surpasses 2,000 free consultations for Michigan businesses

LANSING – Over 2,000 businesses across Michigan have participated in the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) COVID-19 Workplace Safety Ambassador Program since September 2020. MIOSHA in partnership with NSF International provides workplace safety ambassadors who help Michigan businesses better implement COVID-19 regulations and best practices. Overall, the Ambassadors have reported high rates of willingness to participate, compliance with COVID-19 workplace safety requirements, and eagerness to enhance protocols as suggested by the ...

Updated MDHHS orders expand restaurant capacity, increase gathering and capacity limits, allow for expanded visitation at residential care facilities

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated two of its epidemic orders, allowing for increased capacity limits at various venues, larger residential and nonresidential gatherings and expanded visitation opportunities at residential care facilities. Changes are designed to balance reopening while controlling the spread of COVID-19 and save Michiganders’ lives. Although progress has been made in reduction of hospitalizations, it is crucial that Michiganders continue to mask up and socially distance as we reopen. “As we continue our vaccine rollout ...

Area providers experiencing shortened COVID-19 waitlists

HANCOCK — As the vaccine supply coming into the area becomes more reliable, providers in the Western Upper Peninsula are seeing a decline in the demand for appointments from those age 65 and older. “We are beginning to see gaps in our appointment schedules for the 65 and older group,” said Kate Beer, Health Officer for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD). “Providers across the district are struggling to fill clinics at the last minute. If you have held off on scheduling your appointment, now is the time to call.” Residents can visit ...

Michigan expanding access to safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine

LANSING — To help reach the state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and bring a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials announced the state is expanding vaccination eligibility. This change follows the announcement by President Joe Biden that ramped-up production will provide enough doses for 300 million Americans by the end May. MDHHS is moving forward with the vaccination of Michiganders age 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities and caregiver ...