Coronavirus

Houghton County schools closing to quell COVID-19 spread

The Western U.P. Health Department announced Thursday evening Houghton County schools are closing for two weeks starting Monday. During that time, the WUPHD said schools will move to online-only classes until Monday, Oct. 12. The decision means all high school sporting events during the two weeks are also canceled. The WUPHD said Thursday evening “the move is necessary to help reduce the rate of COVID-19 spread within the community.” The WUPHD’s announcement reverberated through the sports world Thursday, leading to a cancellation of Baraga’s Thursday night volleyball ...

Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Foundation cancels Christmas Concert to keep the community safe

ONTONAGON – The annual Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Foundation (AOH Foundation) Christmas concert, originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, has been canceled due to COVID-19. For more than a decade, the AOH Foundation Christmas Concert has been the community’s premiere event consisting of a special concert that features local musical talent. “So many people look forward to this event every year to jumpstart the holiday season,” said Jim Jessup, President of the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Foundation. “We are so thankful for the community’s long history supporting this event ...

Western UP Health Department suspends in-person learning at Houghton County schools

Two potential COVID exposure sites announced in Houghton County

HANCOCK — The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department has identified two Houghton County businesses as possible exposure sites for COVID-19 this month. The WUPHD listed: • Nutini’s Supper Club, at 321 Quincy St. in Hancock, on Sept. 9 through Sept. 16. • Downtowner Lounge, 100 Shelden Avenue in Houghton, on Sept. 17 through Sept. 19. Residents who visited these sites may be at greater risk for exposure, as employees or patrons were present while infectious, the health department said. Additionally, masking and social distancing guidelines were not consistently ...

Aspirus urges flu shots early in 2020-21 season

As Aspirus prepares for the 2020-21 flu season, health experts urge everyone that while a flu shot is always recommended, this year getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Amid the existing COVID-19 pandemic, two serious viruses will be circulating concurrently. Both COVID and influenza can lead to serious illness and even death. Everyone six months or older should get a flu shot with rare exceptions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving a flu shot before the end of October, as it takes about two weeks after a vaccination for antibodies ...

Potential COVID-19 site exposures for Houghton County

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) has identified possible exposure sites in Houghton County. Local residents visiting these sites may be at a higher risk for exposure as employees or patrons were present while infectious, and masking and social distancing guidelines were not consistently followed. These sites are: — Nutini’s Supper Club, 321 Quincy St., Hancock, MI, on Sept. 9 through Sept. 16. — Downtowner Lounge, 100 Sheldon Ave, Houghton, MI, on Sept. 17 through Sept. 19. The health department is advising people that exposure could have occurred at the ...