MDHHS

SB 725 would amend the Social Welfare Act so that Michigan stops using asset tests to determine eligibility for food assistance. Beneficiaries are also subject to a $15,000 asset test requiring that they must not have more than that amount in any account to receive SNAP benefits. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said Michigan residents who receive assistance on food shouldn’t have to choose between food or poverty. “When they have assets, they get denied for food stamps.”Asset limits for food assistance, cash assistance and State Emergency Relief have been set at $15,000 since Gov. Asset limits for these programs vary widely among states, but eight states have no asset limit, according to the state department.

The sharp rise in COVID cases has some hospitals in Michigan at their breaking points and now the Department of Defense is stepping in to help at the state’s request.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a federal grant to help hire additional staff at Michigan hospitals with COVID-19.

Federal officials have sent two medical teams to Michigan to help doctors and nurses as the state’s hospitals fill up with COVID and other patients.

Pharmacies, urgent cares and doctors offices are seeing the the pre-holiday rush to get vaccinated before spending time with friends and families before the holidays.

Michigan health leaders say the state is heading in the wrong direction, and they’re concerned that the situation could get worse during the holiday season.

Michigan health officials are recommending anyone above the age of 2 to wear a face mask while gathering indoors during the holiday season as the state battles the worst coronavirus spread in the nation.

LANSING - The state has launched a program to make free at-home COVID-19 tests to families through schools.

It's scarf, hat, and puffy coat weather in Michigan, and according to a new advisory from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there's...

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is asking residents to take steps to protect themselves and others this flu season.

As COVID cases increase across the state, U-M officials say cases on campus have "stabilized."

Michigan has hit a new milestone in the race to vaccinate residents against COVID-19.

AAPS students and their families can get vaccinated against COVID-19 during several upcoming clinics.

Michigan’s health officials identified 181 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, to go along with 744 ongoing outbreaks from prior weeks. In total there were 925 active outbreaks included in the Department of Health and Human Services’ weekly outbreaks report published Monday, Nov. 8. Long-term care facilities followed with 38 outbreaks, while childcare/youth programs had 10 outbreaks and manufacturing/construction sites had eight. Related: 666 infected across 104 new coronavirus outbreaks at Michigan schoolsBelow is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Nov. 8 school outbreaks report. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 97 clusters, with 30 new and 67 ongoing outbreaks.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services held a virtual event on Wednesday for parents as younger children start to get vaccinated against COVID.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), doctors and state public health leaders are urging Michigan parents to get their children ag

The state of Michigan said it pre-ordered 287,700 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.

Health officials identified 195 new COVID-19 outbreaks throughout Michigan last week, marking a 41.3% increase from the prior week. Additionally, the state is tracking 655 ongoing outbreaks from previous weekly reports, bringing the total active outbreaks to 850. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 104 clusters, with 21 new and 83 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 62 clusters, with 24 new and 38 ongoing outbreaks. Two (one new and one ongoing) clusters linked to an outdoor community exposure like a concert, rally, protest, parade, etc.

Low-income residents of Macomb and Oakland counties who were impacted by flooding this past June and did not receive food assistance benefits during July 2021 can soon apply for federal Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office announced Tuesday.

FLINT, MI — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will continue to provide nutritious food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout November. MDHHS has provided the Flint mobile food pantries since February 2016 in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. November dates for distributions are as follows:Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Hwy. Monday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m.Monday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m.Monday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m.Monday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m.Monday, Nov. 29, at 10 a.m.End Times, 4002 S. Dort Hwy. Monday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m.Monday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m.Monday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m.Monday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m.Monday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m.Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison RoadTuesday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m.

AAPS Superintendent Jeanice Swift spoke with A4 about the district's ongoing staff shortage.

The state of Michigan has pre-ordered 287,700 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric coronavirus vaccine as final approval is expected next week.

Michigan health officials identified 138 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, which was a reduction of almost 28% from the prior week. However, with 678 ongoing outbreaks carrying over from previous weekly reports, the state is monitoring 816 active outbreaks as of Monday, Oct. 25. Related: 428 infected across 76 new COVID-19 outbreaks at Michigan schoolsBelow is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Oct. 25 school outbreaks report. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 56 clusters, with 15 new and 41 ongoing outbreaks. Two clusters (both ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa.

Michiganders who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose are urged to do so now.

On Friday, Oct. 22, Local 4 ran a story inaccurately stating the Office of the Auditor General found 822 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in state records of long-term care facilities and nursing homes.

Michiganders who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose from Johnson & Johnson or Moderna are urged to do so now.

Michigan health officials have issued a list of COVID safety recommendations for children and adults planning to trick-or-treat or celebrate Halloween this month.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to get the flu vaccine for the upcoming season, setting a goal of vaccinating 4 million Michiganders.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the former chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has been named the vice president and chief health equity officer of CVS Health.

Michigan health officials identified 191 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, which was up nearly 19% from the previous week. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services’ weekly outbreaks report noted 593 ongoing outbreaks as of Monday, Oct. 18. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 70 clusters, with 20 new and 50 ongoing outbreaks. A total of 412 outbreaks involved K-12 schools, with the remaining eight outbreaks on or around college campuses. Read more on MLive:Look up 2020 non-COVID vaccination rates for Michigan schools, day care centersMichigan COVID-19 caseload is 3 times higher than this time last year.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the former chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has been named the vice president and chief health equity officer of CVS Health.

Michigan’s Bridge Card system is switching to a new digital provider, and access to benefits will be temporarily unavailable over the weekend amid the switch.

Michigan released a new set of COVID data this week that shows the delta surge is speeding up again and the state is heading into the winter months with higher case rates than last year.

Michigan reported 758 active COVID-19 outbreaks last week, up 5.7% from the prior week when there were 717. The health department’s latest outbreaks report, published Monday, Oct. 11, included 161 new outbreaks and 597 that carried over from previous weekly reports. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 68 clusters, with 13 new and 55 ongoing outbreaks. A total of 393 outbreaks involved K-12 schools, with the remaining 11 outbreaks on or around college campuses. 42 clusters (11 new and 31 ongoing) occurred at child-care centers or youth programs not associated with a school.

Here we are tracking the coronavirus in Michigan.

Michigan has abruptly abandoned its two-year effort to ban the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products and now plans to take a different approach to...

Michigan reported 717 active COVID-19 outbreaks last week, up 12.7% from the prior week when there were 636. The health department’s Monday, Oct. 4, outbreaks report included 167 new outbreaks, including 94 linked to K-12 schools and 26 associated with long-term care facilities. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 68 clusters, with 14 new and 54 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 72 clusters, with 20 new and 52 ongoing outbreaks. Three clusters (all ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa.

As Michigan schools prepare for more COVID outbreaks, school nurses are on the frontlines for thousands of students, teachers and families.

Michigan has updated its breakdown of the latest COVID data and trends, showing a possible slowed increase in the spread of the virus, a new categorization for some variants and rising hospital metrics.

Michigan health officials are adopting a new definition of a COVID-19 school outbreak that lifts the threshold from two cases to three.

Health officials in the state of Michigan began reporting coronavirus (COVID-19) recoveries on April 8.

The COVID situation has changed drastically in Michigan since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held her last briefing to lift restrictions on June 22, exactly three months ago.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has taken a new job outside of state government and will be replaced by Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian during a search for a permanent replacement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced.

Most residents in Zone 1 cleared to return Thursday morning

Most residents who needed to evacuate due to a gas leak at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant may return home, health officials announced Thursday afternoon.

The COVID situation has changed drastically in Michigan since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held her last briefing to lift restrictions on June 22, exactly three months ago.

Michigan and Wayne County officials announced Zone 2 in Flat Rock is now clear of any impact from the gas leak at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

Michigan has released a new breakdown of the state’s latest COVID data and trends, including the effectiveness of vaccines, outbreaks in schools and what to expect in the near future.

The vice president of the State Board of Education and Superintendent is calling on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to issue a mask mandate for schools.

Michigan has released a new breakdown of the state’s latest COVID data and trends, including the effectiveness of vaccines, outbreaks in schools and what to expect in the near future.

Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 56 clusters, with nine new and 47 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 38 clusters, with 11 new and 27 ongoing outbreaks. There were no ongoing outbreaks there. Three clusters (zero new and three ongoing) linked to an indoor community exposure such as a concert, meeting, etc. Two clusters (zero new, two ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa.

Michigan’s health department has created a way for adults to find their immunization records online.

As Michigan students return to the classroom, MDHHS has updated its COVID-19 quarantine guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new website to give access to immunization records.

Michigan residents 18 and older and can locate their immunization records in the state’s medical record system through a new public portal.

For the second night in a row, Flat rock Residents were invited to a town hall meeting to discuss how the city is moving forward since a dangerous benzene chemical leak was discovered days ago.

As Michigan students return to the classroom, MDHHS has updated its COVID-19 quarantine guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students

Ford Motor Company has launched a million dollar reimbursement fund for evacuated and displaced families in Flat Rock.

Flat Rock Residents who smell gas are asked to call 734-782-2496.

Here are this morning's top stories.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Wayne County Health Department (WCHD) are recommending residents of the Flat Rock area bounded by I-75 to the east, Gibraltar Road to the north, Cahill Road to the west and Woodruff Road to the south evacuate their homes until further notice due to the potential risks caused by fumes from a gasoline leak from a storage tank at Ford Motor Company’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

The first West Nile virus cases of the year have been confirmed in Oakland and Macomb county residents.

Parents of students at a private Catholic school in Michigan claim statewide mask mandates violate their constitutional rights. Among their arguments was that a mask requirement for religious school students violates their religious freedom. The appeals court ruling wasn’t unanimous. Siler recommended the restraining order decision be sent back to the U.S. District Court for review in light of the other rulings that have since been issued on the topic of mandates. “At this time, there isn’t a conversation about a broad epidemic order.”More on MLive:Michigan governor unlikely to issue statewide mask mandateGov.

There were 301 active COVID-19 outbreaks under investigation in Michigan coming into this week, up 11% from the prior week. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 36 clusters, with six new and 30 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 48 clusters, with five new and 43 ongoing outbreaks. Region 6 (Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Ottawa counties): 48 clusters, with 11 new and 37 ongoing outbreaks. Three clusters (all ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa.

FLINT, MI — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will continue to provide nutritious food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout September. MDHHS has provided the Flint mobile food pantries since February 2016 in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. September’s mobile food pantry distribution will have plenty of delicious, vitamin-rich produce and proteins, including sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, watermelon, potatoes, cabbage, ground turkey and cheese, according to a MDHHS news release. To check food distribution schedules, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website at FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441. Read more on MLive:Zachary Ornelas, of Ann Arbor, wins 2021 HAP Crim Festival of Races ; see all race results‘It hasn’t stopped me from running’: Flint man runs in Crim after cancer diagnosisFlint mobile food pantries to continue distribution through August

BARRY COUNTY, MI — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the detection of the first Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-positive mosquito pool of the year in Barry County. “These discoveries indicate that the EEE virus is here in Michigan and provides warning that residents could also become infected by a mosquito,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “For horses, EEE is a serious but preventable disease,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. • Placing horses in a barn under fans (as mosquitoes are not strong flyers) during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn. Additionally, West Nile virus activity in Michigan has increased in wildlife and mosquito populations.

The Michigan Bridge Card system will be down from approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday to 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Michigan health officials are tracking 271 active COVID-19 outbreaks this week, up 36% from the prior week. The latest outbreaks report, updated Monday, Aug. 23, noted 83 new outbreaks and 188 ongoing outbreaks included in previous weekly reports from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 36 clusters, with seven new and 29 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 49 clusters, with 14 new and 35 ongoing outbreaks. Region 5 (Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties): 29 clusters, with 13 new and 16 ongoing outbreaks.

Michigan’s top health officials spoke Wednesday about the possibility of a mask mandate, the state’s “high” COVID-19 transmission rate, the spread of the delta variant and a third dose of the vaccine.

Michigan has not yet instituted a mask mandate for the upcoming school year, despite what sounds like a recommendation to do so from the state’s top medical executive. “I have recommended that if a mask mandate were in place and it were followed, it would likely decrease the spread of COVID-19 in schools,” Khaldun said. Instead of recommending that schools recommend masking, the state now recommends that schools require masks be worn by students and staff. When determining which prevention strategies to implement, school administrators should work with their local public health officials. In Michigan, pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain “very stable” since late June, with no available data on underlying health conditions, according to MDHHS.

Amid the current statewide urge of COVID-19 cases, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to preach the safety that masks provide in high-risk sports settings. “In Michigan, there is no statewide requirement to wear a face mask in most settings,” Sutfin wrote. MHSAA communications director Geoff Kimmerly added that teams traveling to venues or schools with mask mandates must abide by those rules. “MDHHS encourages all eligible Michiganders to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are able,” Sutfin wrote. To locate a vaccine, visit VaccineFinder.org.”Sutfin also said coronavirus testing resources continue to be available to schools if they choose to use them.

Michigan’s top doctor was questioned repeatedly Wednesday about why the state hasn’t issued a mask mandate if it could help slow the spread of the COVID delta variant, particularly in schools.

Michigan’s top health officials spoke Wednesday about the possibility of a mask mandate, the state’s “high” COVID-19 transmission rate, the spread of the delta variant and a third dose of the vaccine.

Michigan’s health chief said if the state did issue a school masks mandate, and it was followed, then the spread of COVID-19 could be mitigated this fall as students and teachers return to in-person classrooms.

Michigan’s health department reported a three-day total of 3,554 new coronavirus cases and 19 new deaths for Saturday, Aug. 14 through Monday, Aug. 16. The state is averaging 1,353 new cases and 10 new deaths per day over the last week. That’s up from 1,009 daily cases a week ago, and 693 per day about two weeks ago. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 922,687 reported coronavirus cases and 20,030 deaths. The counties with no new cases reported were Chippewa, Keweenaw, Luce and Presque Isle.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued updated recommendations for schools for the new school year.

LANSING MI -- COVID-19 cases connected to the 2021 Faster Horses Festival continue to rise, just as Michigan health officials predicted. Currently 51 cases have been linked to the July 16-18 festival at Michigan International Speedway near Brooklyn, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Those infected in connection to the country music festival range from 9 to 59 years old, with a median age of 24. Cases were predicted to rise in a July 27 comment from MDHHS Public Information Officer Lynn Sutfin. According to the CDC tracker, 63.4% of Michiganders age 16 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of July 29.

FLINT, MI — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is planning to continue to provide nutritious food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout August. MDHHS has provided the Flint mobile food pantries since February 2016 in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. August’s mobile food pantry distribution will have plenty of delicious, vitamin-rich produce and proteins, including watermelon, sweet corn, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, potatoes and carrots, ground turkey and cheese, according to a MDHHS news release. Information about additional food distributions will be announced as they are scheduled. To check food distribution schedules, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website at FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is collaborating with local health departments to investigate a recent increase in reports of Legionnaires’ disease.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Wayne County Health Department have identified the first known occurrence of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito in 2021.

LANSING, MI – The Asian tiger mosquito has been identified in Wayne County for the first time in 2021. Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Wayne County Health Department confirmed the presence of the invasive species this week. The Asian tiger mosquito was discovered in Michigan for the first time in 2017, in an industrial area of Livonia. The Asian tiger mosquito was subsequently found in 2018 and 2020 -- with both occurrences located in Wayne County. For more information about mosquito-borne viruses and mosquito surveillance in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

On Wednesday, July 7, the state updated its count to 56 active outbreaks, including two newly discovered clusters and 54 ongoing outbreaks. Among the ongoing outbreaks, 18 were tied to assisted living facilities, and 15 were linked to manufacturing/construction sites. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): Three clusters, all of which are ongoing outbreaks. One ongoing cluster linked to a bar or restaurant. For more statewide data, visit MLive’s coronavirus data page, here.

A drive-in movie night in Detroit organized by state health and county officials will highlight the need for foster parents in Wayne County.

LANSING, MI – Michigan will no longer mandate COVID-19 testing for agricultural and migrant workers. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) cited increased vaccination rates and declining COVID-19 cases when it rescinded the order Thursday, July 1. Related: How herd immunity works and why unvaccinated people shouldn’t count on it protecting themMDHHS recently awarded $60 million to improve vaccination access for high-risk populations, including for seasonal agricultural workers. Emergency rules require agricultural laborer housing to have a COVID-19 response plan and provide quarantine housing for workers exposed to the virus. More than 5 million Michigan residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and about 500,000 have signed up for state’s $2 million vaccine sweepstakes.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering emergency relief assistance to low-income residents impacted by the flooding.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering emergency relief assistance to low-income residents impacted by the flooding.

Low-income residents affected by recent flooding in Michigan may be eligible for emergency relief assistance through the Michigan Department of Health

Michigan’s health officials are tracking 340 known COVID-19 outbreaks, including 21 new clusters discovered within the last week. The latest count is a 35% decrease from a week ago when the health department reported 494 active and ongoing outbreak. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 17 clusters, with three new and 14 ongoing outbreaks. Four clusters (all ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa. On Monday, June 14, Michigan reported two-day totals of 338 new COVID-19 cases and eight new deaths, following a day off from reporting Sunday.

Michigan identified 29 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, continuing a recent downward trend in clusters alongside cases, hospitalizations and positive test rates. The Department of Health and Human Services is also tracking 494 ongoing outbreaks from prior weekly reports. Those three settings are also the highest for ongoing clusters, with 142, 113 and 103 respectively. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 46 clusters, with two new and 42 ongoing outbreaks. Two ongoing clusters linked to indoor community exposure such as a concert, meeting, etc.

This continues a declining trend in new cases but an increase in deaths, as on Tuesday the averages for new cases and deaths were 466 and 28, respectively. Since the start of the pandemic, Michigan has had 890,345 confirmed coronavirus cases and 19,365 deaths. (The above chart shows Michigan’s 7-day rolling average of new confirmed coronavirus cases. (The above chart shows Michigan’s 7-day rolling average of deaths involving confirmed coronavirus cases. This is based on when a confirmed coronavirus test is reported to the state, which means the patient first became sick days before.

Among the new clusters, 11 were reported by K-12 schools and another 11 were spotted in long-term care facilities. In addition to the new outbreaks noted in Michigan’s June 1 report, there were 642 ongoing clusters from previous reports that remained active. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 87 clusters, with eight new and 79 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 48 clusters, with five new and 43 ongoing outbreaks. By category, the outbreaks totaled:233 clusters (11 new and 222 ongoing) at K-12 school or colleges.

This week there will no longer be capacity limits outdoors and more.

Michigan identified 94 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, which marked the fewest new clusters in more than three months as cases continue to decline. Additionally, the state’s weekly coronavirus outbreaks report indicated 798 active and ongoing clusters that had previously been reported by the Department of Health and Human Services. That means the cumulative total of active outbreaks was 892 as of Thursday, May 20 -- a decline of 24.8% from the 1,186 active outbreaks reported one week earlier. Six regions reported a decline in total active outbreaks, while Region 2S remained the same and Region 5 reported an increase. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 87 clusters, with 12 new and 75 ongoing outbreaks.

Whitmer announces updates on return-to-work and expanding capacity limits

In its weekly outbreak report, published Monday, May 17, the state health department also noted 1,056 ongoing clusters, which brought the total active outbreaks count to 1,186. Michigan’s total active COVID-19 outbreaks count is down 4.6% from the prior week, and down 7.1% from three weeks ago. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 219 clusters, with 17 new and 202 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 87 clusters, with nine new and 78 ongoing outbreaks. Region 5 (Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties): 17 clusters, with four new and 13 ongoing outbreaks.

More Michigan families eligible for additional food assistance because of the COVID-19 pandemic will receive an increase in the monthly amount.

Michigan added 178 new coronavirus outbreaks last week, the most of which were reported in K-12 schools, manufacturing/construction sites and long-term care facilities. The new clusters, combined with 1,065 ongoing outbreaks, brought the state’s total active outbreaks count to 1,243, according to data from the Monday, May 10, report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 267 clusters, with 52 new and 215 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 129 clusters, with 20 new and 109 ongoing outbreaks. Two ongoing clusters linked to outdoor community exposure such as a concert, rally, protest, parade, etc.

Michigan has had 212 new coronavirus clusters identified in the past week and 1,065 ongoing clusters, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ May 3 outbreak report. That compares to 196 new clusters and 1,277 ongoing clusters in the April 29 report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 269 clusters, with 55 new and 214 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 129 clusters, with 31 new and 98 ongoing outbreaks. 30 clusters (seven new and 23 ongoing) linked to private social gatherings , such as a wedding, funeral or party.

FLINT, MI - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue to provide food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout May. MDHHS has partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan since 2016 to provide food to Flint residents, according to a news release from MDHHS. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the food pantry distributors have taken extra precautions to keep customers and volunteers protected. According to the MDHHS press release, this month’s mobile food pantry distribution will have plenty of delicious, vitamin-rich produce and proteins, including ground turkey, cheese and potatoes. To check food distribution schedules, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website at FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441.

Despite new guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mask wearing will continue for high school sports athletes for the time being. According to Michigan High School Athletic Association communications director Geoff Kimmerly, the MHSAA will continue enforce the mask rules for spring sports athletes as mandated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. On Tuesday, the CDC announced fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear a mask for many individual and small-group outdoor activities. However, the MHSAA has not received any updates from the MDHHS regarding changes to mask mandates for high school athletes. As for when he thinks the mask mandates will end for athletes, Kimmerly preaches patience.