QUARANTINE

U-M officials are urging community members to stay vigilant as the BA.2 variant spreads on campus.

Michigan health officials have updated the state’s quarantine and isolation guidelines as COVID cases continue to drop following the omicron surge.

The busiest international crossing in North America is deserted.

The new guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that you should isolate for five days if you test positive for COVID. Then, if you don’t have symptoms, you can return to school as long as you are wearing a well-fitted mask for six to 10 days.

Michigan health officials updated their K-12 school quarantine and isolation guidance to reflect updates made by the CDC.

The CDC is still struggling to clarify its change in the recommended isolation period for people who test positive for COVID but are asymptomatic.

Michigan’s health agency says it’s updating guidance for COVID-19 quarantine to match new CDC recommendations.

The Washtenaw County Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated, avoid large gatherings and isolate from others if sick.

The CDC has issued new guidance on how long you need to quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test or contact with someone who tests positive.

The Klemmer family debuts a new Christmas rap ahead of the holiday season.

People staying in government-approved hotels have complained of inedible food and feeling unsafe.

Michigan’s health department issued updated quarantine guidelines for schools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as cases rise, especially among young residents.

COVID cases among students and staff on U-M's Ann Arbor campus remain low and stable, reported school officials.

Ann Arbor Public Schools has reported an increase in COVID cases since the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

University of Michigan continues to report a decrease in COVID cases among students.

On Thursday, the Washtenaw County Health Department released a statement about the legality of its emergency orders for educational settings.

The tenor of the meeting abruptly changed when a parent, whose child had just been exposed to COVID at school, came to the podium.

Your style, no matter the reason, is your choice. Period.

COVID cases have decreased over the past week on U-M's Ann Arbor campus, officials say.

A Q&A with Hong Kong’s Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan on the territory’s struggle to balance safety with its role as an international financial center — and why stringent border controls may not be eased anytime soon.

U-M officials report

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

COVID cases continue to rise after students returned to U-M's Ann Arbor campus.

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

"We feel it necessary to take this precaution instead of shutting down the building," said superintendent Chuck Hughes.

"The Board’s decision to recommend masks for our students and staff was based solely on the CDC’s return-to-school guidelines, which is not a health mandate."

A Hartland elementary school has issued a mask mandate after several students have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

The Washtenaw County Health Department issues quarantine order for K-12 schools.

U-M's President Mark Schlissel said individuals walking outdoors on campus can go mask-free.

University of Michigan asks students to test for COVID-19 before going home for holidaysANN ARBOR – Officials at the University of Michigan have announced a significant decrease in cases of COVID-19 on campus. In the school’s bi-weekly COVID update, officials reported on Tuesday that school-related cases now represent 27% of the total cases in Washtenaw County. Just two weeks ago, U-M cases -- the majority of which were linked to students -- accounted for 62% of the total cases in the county. AdSoon after, the school implemented mandatory weekly testing for graduate and professional students after outbreaks emerged in circles of older students and in off campus houses. Undergraduates on campus have been tested regularly for the virus since the start of the semester.

If, during this time, you’ve been taking a good hard look at your home, perhaps you’ve been thinking you could use a change to make it a little cozier. Tiffany Moore, with 50 Floor, explained how just one change with new flooring can give your home a fresh new style and feel. For instance, replacing old carpeting with hardwood, vinyl, tile or laminate can give a room a sleek new look. Or if you want something warm and cozy, replace your old tile with new carpet. Did you know you can shop at home and see how your selection looks with the rest of the furniture?

ANN ARBOR – Cases of COVID-19 have increased at the University of Michigan, now making up for 34% of total cases in Washtenaw County, university officials reported on Tuesday. The recommendation was urged by the Washtenaw County Health Department as several new cases of the new, highly contagious B117 COVID-19 variant were reported on campus. AdRead: University of Michigan students asked to stay home to curb virus spreadThe number of residences placed under quarantine has doubled since Saturday due to new positive cases and potential exposures. Read: University of Michigan identifies virus outbreaks at off-campus housesAccording to U-M’s COVID Dashboard, the university has reported 438 positive cases in the past 14 days, and 36,065 tests had been administered in the same time period. According to preliminary data, the positivity rate jumped the week starting Jan. 31 to 14.3%, compared to 1.3% the week prior.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – All athletic programs at the University of Michigan will be put on a 14-day pause starting Sunday, a school official confirmed Saturday night. Read: New COVID strain prompts 2-week pause of Michigan Athletics activitiesThe decision was made by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Team members -- student athletes, coaches and team staff -- are asked to immediately isolate or quarantine until further notice. MDHHS sent University of Michigan officials a memo explaining our recommendations, but has not issued any orders for the university to take any actions. Due to possible exposure to the virus in the community, MDHHS has also recommended increased testing in Washtenaw County to the Washtenaw County Health Department.

To help beat the winter blues, families are encouraged to venture outdoors to play, spend time together and get some fresh air. “In Gaffield Children’s Garden, we provide rich, open-ended nature play experiences. We encourage families to participate and replicate what we do here, in their own homes, apartments, and parks.”One such activity is constructing a winter obstacle course. They posted this obstacle course over the weekend:Anything can be used to construct the obstacle course -- snow balls, sticks, stumps and rope, to name a few items. Make sure you associate a mission with the course: “Let’s hop over three snowballs, circle the stump two times and sprint to the tree.”To see the full guide on creating a fun winter obstacle course, click here.

I make no claims to be a classical music buff. I have to admit, much of my classical music education came from Walter Lantz’s Woody Woodpecker and Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes among others. My first encounter with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Second Movement, was from the theme music to the Huntley/Brinkley nightly news. Many thanks again to Gioachino Rossini for his toe tapping "William Tell Overture" (Did William Tell really shoot an apple off his son’s head with a bow and arrow?). You may be reminded of some childhood memory or some manufacturer that you never knew used classical music to sell its product.

ANN ARBOR – Kevin Leeser has been active in organizing donations of PPE since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and now that includes cleaning supplies. Leeser, who launched Operation Face Shield Ann Arbor, recently donated 500 face shields to the Lakota people in South Dakota who have experienced high case numbers. After they asked for cleaning supplies for their quarantined members, Leeser decided to rally the local community to donate supplies, which he is delivering himself this week. Read: Ann Arbor’s Operation Face Shield surpasses 50K donationsFor those who wish to donate funds, tax deductible donations can still be made to “Operation Face Shield” via CashApp. Local businesses Jerusalem Garden and Stadium Hardware donated supplies over the weekend.

Previously, if you were exposed to a person infected with SARS-CoV-2, the recommendation was that you quarantine for 14 days. That’s based on good evidence that most people will have developed symptoms by day 14 and, even if they don’t have symptoms, the risk of being infectious past day 14 is also low. It’s not that 14 days is bad, it’s just that’s how does society wants to balance it.”And balance is the important point. Based on what we know, the CDC didn’t say that 14 days is wrong and they are still recommending it when possible. Related: Will Michiganders be willing to get COVID-19 vaccine?

Amazon Prime Days are here, and as the author of this story, I have to tell you: I did a LOT more online purchasing than I planned on, just while sitting around my house in quarantine last year.

Cooking up a giant turkey packed with stuffing might not be as realistic for some, especially if you live alone or with a roommate or two.

ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan alumnus and current employee, Adam Mael, has been a fan of LEGO since he can remember. A couple hours later the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan reached out and asked if they could share the pictures on their social media pages. Mael estimates that 30,000-32,000 pieces of LEGO make up the model, which measures roughly 3.5 by 3.5 feet. He estimates he has up to 200,000 LEGO pieces in his collection. He said if the times were different, he would be showing it at the Ann Arbor District Library’s Annual LEGO Contest.

ANN ARBOR – Due to an exponential growth in COVID-19 cases in the area, the Washtenaw County Health Department announced Thursday that it is now experiencing delays in contact tracing calls and emails. “Don’t wait for a call from the Health Department," Jimena Loveluck, health officer for Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. All other residents who receive a positive test should follow established guidance and will be contacted as capacity allows. A person is considered contagious 2 days before their symptoms start or before their positive test if they do not have symptoms. The next pop-up testing opportunities are scheduled for Sat, Nov 14 at the Ypsilanti District Library at 5577 Whittaker Road and Sat, Nov 21 at Washtenaw County Health Department at 555 Towner Street.

ANN ARBOR – Quarantine and isolation housing occupancy at the University of Michigan stood at 52.2% on Monday, according to the school’s COVID-19 data dashboard. Mary Markley residence hall is currently housing the most students with positive COVID-19 cases. U-M and the Washtenaw County Health Department on Saturday released an order requiring all residents in Markley to practice enhanced social distancing and to stop attending in-person classes for 14 days. Here’s how the numbers break down, according to residence hall:Mary Markley: 99South Quadrangle: 47West Quadrangle: 37East Quadrangle: 17Mosher Jordan Hall: 17Oxford Housing: 13Alice Lloyd Hall: 7Bursley Hall: 7Couzens Hall: 5As of Monday afternoon, the university has not posted data for Oct. 19 as coronavirus cases rise across the state. To see U-M’s COVID-19 data dashboard, visit www.campusblueprint.umich.edu/dashboard.

Early Friday morning, President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. She is the closest White House official to Trump to test positive for the virus so far. Her positive test was first reported by Bloomberg News on Thursday evening.

Despite the fact that the entire world has been living through a pandemic, there has been a lot of good happening, and we have managed to find quite a bit of it. There are so many people doing good things, but we’ll start by sharing these 11 stories with you. It was some time before the two were reunited, but when they did, “they were laughing like teenagers.”Want to read more? Community raises $300K for injured, retired Army veteran’s new smart home: ‘Pam will never be alone’U.S. Army Sgt. “And I didn’t want to put anyone in danger.”Then, Knowles found out about some special face coverings for the deaf.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Should your pet have their own sitcom? Show the world by submitting their antics to the Michigan Theater Foundation’s first A2 Quarantine Creature Feature. Whether your creature is furry, feathered, scaly, large or small, submit a video for a chance to be included in the newest MTF Original. Videos can be submitted until Friday, Oct. 23. Here’s how it works:

LANSING, Mich. – Steps are being taken to protect Michigan’s pine trees from the mountain pine beetle. The mountain pine beetle is a destructive forest pest in North America. READ: More invasive species coverageWhat is a mountain pine beetle? Mountain pine beetles is an insect native to the forests of western North America and is also known as the Black Hills beetle or the Rocky Mountain pine beetle. Michigan’s pine resources are at risk of attack by MPB, including white pine, jack pine, red pine, Austrian pine, and Scots pine.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan has confirmed a “cluster” of COVID-19 positive cases in the South Quad residence hall on its downtown Ann Arbor campus. On Thursday, the university announced that the sixth and eighth floors of the residence hall have the most cases and are “the area of focus” through a community notice. The cluster was identified by U-M Environment, Health & Safety and the Washtenaw County Health Department. There have been 65 positive cases across the U-M campus in the past two weeks, according to its COVID-19 dashboard. Anyone that has symptoms or a high risk or known exposure, should contact University Health Service (UHS) at 734-764-8320 or complete the online assessment immediately.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Ingham County Health Department has ordered residents of 39 large houses in East Lansing to self-quarantine amid an ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak among the Michigan State University community. “The current situation deeply concerns me for the MSU and East Lansing communities,” Vail said. We are truly in a crisis situation, especially in East Lansing. We must do all we can to contain the outbreak.”Of the total 39 large houses currently placed under mandatory quarantine in East Lansing, 25 are fraternity and sorority houses and 14 are large rental houses. The university announced 124 new COVID-19 cases among MSU students during the week of Aug. 31 through Sept. 8.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Ingham County Health Department is taking action after seeing a spike in cases since Michigan State University students headed back to East Lansing. Action involved placing students living in 23 fraternity and sorority houses and seven rental homes under a mandatory quarantine. The Ingham County Health Department made the decision to quarantine the entire buildings after a spike in positive cases in East Lansing this month. The majority of all new cases are MSU students. This mandatory quarantine for specific off-campus houses is another helpful tool to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

MSU students react to mandatory quaratine at 30 large houses in East LansingIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Mandatory quarantine issued at 30 houses in East LansingIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Here is a list of the 30 fraternities, sororities and rental properties in East Lansing that are now under a mandatory quarantine for two weeks due to known cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). AvenueQuarantine detailsThe two-week quarantine was issued for anyone living in the 30 properties above. I am disheartened to add that this outbreak is being fueled in part by a lack of cooperation and compliance from some MSU students, many residing in the properties now under mandatory quarantine. Police officers can arrest someone if they witness a violation or have reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred. More than half of all new cases countywide reside in the city of East Lansing, and the majority of all new cases are MSU students, according to health experts.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Health officials have ordered a mandatory two-week quarantine for people living in 30 large houses -- including 23 fraternities and sororities -- linked to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks in East Lansing. Violating the quarantine can result in jail time and/or fines, officials said. Officials with the Ingham County Health Department identified 23 fraternities and sororities and seven other large rental houses as having links to COVID-19. I am disheartened to add that this outbreak is being fueled in part by a lack of cooperation and compliance from some MSU students, many residing in the properties now under mandatory quarantine. More than half of all new cases countywide reside in the city of East Lansing, and the majority of all new cases are MSU students, according to health experts.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A student’s social media video went viral this weekend criticizing the University of Michigan’s “quarantine housing” designated for students who test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The viral video comes as U-M graduate student instructors are on strike, protesting the university’s return to in-person learning amid the pandemic. According to the University of Michigan’s digital COVID-19 tracker, 74 cases were reported since students returned to campus on Aug. 24. “Students are not required to use the university’s quarantine housing and some prefer to return to their permanent residences for quarantine,” said U-M Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Rick Fitzgerald. “If students need transportation to quarantine housing, the university provides transportation through our Division of Public Safety & Security.