WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Wayne County Health Department announced this week it is expanding eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine as infections continue in the state.

With the county rescinding the mask mandate, Dearborn Public Schools will make wearing masks optional on Feb. 23 when students return from mid-winter break.

Wayne County’s Chief Medical and Health Officer Avani Sheth confirmed through a signed statement that, effective 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, masks no longer will be required in school settings within the jurisdiction of the Wayne County Health Department. Sheth did not immediately respond to the Grosse Pointe News for a request to comment. The decision comes as the Michigan […]

DPSCD will wait for a recommendation from the city health department, even as other Michigan counties have lifted their mask mandates.

Wayne County officials said in a press release that they are expecting to lift the mask mandate by Feb. 28, joining counties like Oakland and Washtenaw.

Health officials in Wayne County announced that it expects to end its emergency order requiring masks in schools by Feb. 28.

The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Henry Ford Community and Performing Arts Center will be closed for the winter holiday break.

Wayne County is now offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged 5-11 at county clinics.

Wayne County is now offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged 5-11 at county clinics.

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 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.

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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.

All school districts in Wayne County will be required to enforce a mask mandate for the upcoming school year after health officials released new guidance.

Photo courtesy: Dearborn School DistrictWayne County has now joined neighboring Oakland in mandating masks be worn in local school districts, schools and daycare providers. Last week, Wayne County public health officials issued “strong recommendations” that all school districts implement a COVID-19 safety plan that includes a universal mask requirement. Walk-in vaccinations are available to residents at Wayne County clinics for both initial shots and boosters. Governor Whitmer commended Wayne County and other school district’s decision to mandate masks. Whitmer said the state is expecting the number of school districts requiring masks to grow as the first day of school approaches.

Wayne County senators have sent a letter to the county’s health director requesting an emergency health order to require masks be worn by staff and students in all public schools.

The Wayne County Health Department has begun administering Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to immunocompromised residents.

Some Metro Detroit communities will begin administering COVID vaccine booster shots to immunocompromised residents starting Monday.

On Monday, the Wayne County Health Department will begin administering Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to immunocompromised residents.

Greater Grace Temple held its 24th annual back to school event.

Officials aren’t issuing mask mandates despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance that fully vaccinated people should still wear masks indoors.

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.

Lost your COVID-19 vaccination card? Wayne County, others will provide you with another one.

The Wayne County Health Department is adding two new COVID-19 vaccination clinics, one in Belleville and another in Flat Rock. The expansion will increase the County’s weekly capacity to as many as 20,000 administered doses between a total of four vaccine clinics.

The Wayne County Public Health Department will be accepting COVID vaccine walk-ups for residents Wednesday, April 14, through Saturday, April 17.

Wayne County is launching more COVID-19 vaccine clinics to include more cities.

FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2021, file photo, a man receives a COVID-19 vaccine at the Martin Luther King Senior Center in North Las Vegas. The nation is poised to get a third vaccine against COVID-19, but health officials are concerned that at first glance the Johnson & Johnson shot may not be seen as equal to other options from Pfizer and Moderna. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

LIVONIA, Mich. – Tracking COVID-19 cases in Wayne County, outside of Detroit. This data is from the Wayne County Health Department. That excludes Detroit because the city of Detroit has its own health department. Here’s a look at the Wayne County data:If you are having trouble viewing the tables, go here. More: Special COVID-19 data sectionHere’s data for the entire state of Michigan, starting with the state’s daily new COVID-19 cases report:

The quarantine guidelines put into place by the Wayne County Health Department and the state of Michigan have put a temporary halt to the season of all three Grosse Pointe girls hockey teams. An affected player and coach from the University Liggett School girls hockey team have placed the Knights on a quarantine until March 14. The Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils also have a positive case that puts them on quarantine until March 15. Up to this point, all of our other coaches and players are healthy,” Grosse Pointe South head coach Hailee Craig said. And finally, girl’s hockey in Grosse Pointe suffered a complete shutdown March 1, when the Norsemen came in contact with an opposing team with a positive case.

LIVONIA, Mich. – Canton city officials announced they have a limited number of vaccination appointments available March 10-12. The vaccination appointments are available to residents of Canton, Plymouth and Plymouth Township who are at least 65 years old. The appointments will be at Schoolcraft College’s VisTaTech Center, located on Haggerty Road, just south of Seven Mile Road. Residents can register for appointments on Canton’s official website here.

DETROIT – Wayne County announced it will open several vaccination clinics for residents 65 and older. According to county executive Warren Evans, the vaccination clinics for residents of Canton Township, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Inkster, Melvindale, Pontiac Romulus and the city of Wayne will begin Feb. 23. ”I’m pleased Wayne County is now in a position to begin vaccinating seniors,” Evans said. “I also want to thank the state of Michigan for working with Wayne County to ensure we have more doses to vaccinate our seniors more quickly. The vaccine distribution process is limited by the available vaccine -- of which no one is getting enough -- but Wayne County is putting shots in arms as fast as we get them.”More information can be found on the official Wayne County website here.

ORIGINAL STORY: Wayne County announces new vaccination clinics for seniors“I have really talked to a number of ladies, particularly that each and every one of them has indicated that, you know, they’re all waiting,” Coutilish said. “Up to now, particularly in Wayne community, everything has been located in the Detroit area with very little elsewhere,” Coutilish said. “I’m hopeful that they are now going to spread it around a little bit.”So far Wayne County has given out over 36,601 vaccines. “I also want to thank the state of Michigan for working with Wayne County to ensure we have more doses to vaccinate our seniors more quickly. The vaccine distribution process is limited by the available vaccine -- of which no one is getting enough -- but Wayne County is putting shots in arms as fast as we get them.”More information can be found on the official Wayne County website here.

WESTLAND, MIch. – An 81-year-old woman in Westland with health issues has been unable to get her COVID-19 vaccine shot. The family said her health conditions should put her at the top of the list, but she’s been able to get her shot. Dorothy Bigalow, 81, has been married for 60 years, raised seven children, worked, lived and paid taxes all in Wayne County. “Wayne County is letting her down. Together, they’ve worked nonstop to try to get their mother an appointment for a vaccine.

In partnership with the Wayne County Health Department, Detroit Medical Center and the DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to over 1,000 members of the Dearborn Public Schools staff. DEARBORN — In partnership with the Wayne County Health Department, the Detroit Medical Center and DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan are vaccinating Dearborn schools staff. The Detroit Medical Center and DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan are beginning to vaccinate more than 1,000 teachers and staff from Dearborn Public Schools. “We have been working on this for a very long time and I have been wanting students back in school for months. The plan is for the first group of students from grades kindergarten, first, second, sixth and ninth to return for blended learning on March 1.

DETROIT – The Wayne County Public Health Division is set to receive 8,375 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Although that number is a big difference from the 4,350 doses the county received in its last shipment, there’s still a major shortage. In just a few days, nearly all 8,375 newly received doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be going into the arms of educators in Wayne County. AdBut Wayne County is still technically in Phase 1A, which covers independent necessary health care workers -- a group of 18,000 registered residents in the county. Under an agreement between Wayne County and local health systems, county residents 65 years of age and older are being vaccinated through those health systems.

DETROIT – After state officials met with Wayne County executive Warren Evans, Wayne County will receive 8,375 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine next week from the state, an increase from the 4,350 doses Wayne County received this week. However, the supply remains insufficient to expedite vaccinations of health providers, educators, and other high-priority essential workers currently underway. Under an agreement between Wayne County and local health systems, county residents 65 years of age and older are being vaccinated through those health systems. ”I will continue to press the state of Michigan until the Wayne County Public Health Division receives the amount of vaccine required to meet the needs of its residents,” Evans said. READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAdWayne County officials will begin vaccinating K-12 teachers and education workers Tuesday at its vaccination sites at Schoolcraft College and Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus in Taylor.

DETROIT – City officials said Detroit is ready to ramp up its vaccination process. According to Mayor Mike Duggan, COVID vaccinations are going to increase three-fold as vaccines are made available to all Detroit residents 65 and older. READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesThe city expects it will go from vaccinating 5,000 people a week to 15,000 each week. Duggan leaned hard on the federal government to ship the vaccine directly to the Detroit Health Department. He was in charge of the Detroit Medical Center when drive-thru vaccinations were set up during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009.

One Metro Detroit woman believes a distance of 20 feet may be keeping her from the opportunity to get the shot. She lives in Washtenaw County, but her doctor practices in Wayne County. “I go on Wayne County and it just says nothing,” Pettitt said. “They’re not doing anything.”She has friends that are younger and healthier than her who are getting their vaccine shots. “Many of my inner circle got a vaccine and got a second opportunity,” Pettitt said.

Metro Detroit’s tri-counties -- Wayne, Oakland and Macomb -- are running out of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Wayne County Health Department, which does not include Detroit, is getting 975 doses of the vaccine from Michigan every seven to 10 days. Oakland County has received 1,950 a week and is also requesting 5,000 a week. Macomb County is receiving 1,000 a week and requesting 50,000. Both Oakland and Wayne counties said they could give 1,000 shots a day if they had them.

DETROIT – The Wayne County Public Health Division has issued an advisory, strongly recommending that all public, non-public and boarding schools in the county’s jurisdiction should shift to remote learning through Jan. 15, 2021. “We have reached a point in the pandemic that we hoped the County would never see,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Wayne County includes many tightly knit communities and we cherish our time together with our families. The recommendation addresses “an age group that can spread COVID-19 without showing signs or symptoms,” officials said. “We are working extremely closely with our school districts to prevent further spread,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Wayne County chief health strategist.

Superintendent Glenn Maleyko addresses the suspension of in-person learning labsDEARBORN — With COVID-19 cases rising again, the Dearborn Public School District’s Learning Lab Committee has decided to suspend in-school learning labs indefinitely. The district will continue with virtual learning labs and are allowing teachers to volunteer to host in-school learning labs for students who wish to take part. The Wayne County Health Department reported the seven-day average has climbed to 4.6 percent positivity rate as of Oct. 20 and may increase. The decision was made to maintain a safe school environment and keep the schools from becoming a source of COVID-19. “We are working hard to balance the health and safety of our staff, our students and our community while also balancing the need for in-school learning,” he said.

Wayne County health officials issued a new emergency order Friday that outlines updates to emergency public health orders issued last week amid the coronavirus pandemic. Wayne County Public Health Officer Carol Austerberry issued an emergency epidemic order Friday that mimics coronavirus restrictions established in a statewide emergency health order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Oct. 9. “These orders are science-based measures intended to keep Wayne County residents safe and healthy during the pandemic. Businesses under the jurisdiction of the county’s health department are also required to continue screening employees for COVID-19 symptoms. Orders issued by the Wayne County Health Department are not in effect in the city of Detroit, as the city is governed by its own health department.

The Wayne County Health Department issued an emergency public health order on Oct. 8 requiring residents to continue taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Wayne County officials say requirements listed in Thursday’s order essentially carry on health and safety precautions previously ordered by Michigan Gov. The Wayne County Health Department is reinforcing these measures by deeming them active and enforceable in the county through their own emergency order. Officials say schools under the jurisdiction of the Wayne County Health Department are also required to continue following the state’s Return to School plan. Wayne County officials say the emergency order is effective immediately and is expected to remain in effect until at least Oct. 23.

DETROIT – According to the Wayne County Health Department, the number of Detroit children getting vaccinations is down from 82% to 47% percent since march when the first Michigan coronavirus cases were announced. Flu shots were also available. In the meantime, Michigan officials have warned that flu shots are vital to prevent a separate outbreak amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to officials, 187 US children died from the flu, including six children in Michigan, during the 2019-2020 flu season. The nation also recorded 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million flu hospitalizations, officials say.

All rights reserved)DETROIT – Ascension Michigan is partnering with the Detroit Health Department to offer free immunization and flu shots to children this weekend. Officials say vaccinations among children in Detroit have declined from 82% to 47% since March, according to a report from the Wayne County Health Department. To combat this decline, the health system will host a Back to School Community Immunization Fair on September 12 at Martin Luther King Jr. High School. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., children 6 months old and older can receive free immunization and flu shots. Officials say individuals are welcome whether they are insured or not.

SOUTHGATE, Mich. – A total of 9 coronavirus cases are linked to Crystal Gardens Banquet Hall in Southgate, Wayne County spokesman, Mike McElrath, confirmed Friday. The Wayne County Public Health Division announced Wednesday a total of five cases of the coronavirus were linked to the wedding reception held July 18 at the banquet hall. DETAILS: Southgate banquet hall listed as COVID-19 exposure siteAs of Wednesday, there were five women ranging in age from 22 to 55 who attended the wedding on July 18. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 81,621 as of Friday, including 6,199 deaths, state officials report. Attendees of the reception are encouraged to call the Wayne County Health Division at 734-727-7078 to report their contacts, get tested by a healthcare provider as soon as possible, and self-quarantine at home.

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office revealed how it plans to enforce Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s new orderWhitmer issued an executive order Friday that reiterates Michigan residents are required to wear face coverings whenever they are at an indoor public space. Wayne County enforcementOn Tuesday, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office laid out its plan for enforcing the new mask rules. RELATED: How Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office plans to enforce new mask rulesIf deputies have to circle back to the person, group or business after the initial warning to readdress the requirements, a $500 ticket will be issued, the department announced. The Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Wayne County Health Department with these rules, because the Health Department is leading the enforcement effort, according to authorities.

GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. Officials in Grosse Pointe Park expressed concern over the growing cases of COVID-19 in the city. June 28, 2020 update: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 63,261, Death toll now at 5,912Everybody was feeling good about the situation, said city councilperson Aime Fluitt. Then on Friday yesterday, we had 12 Market Park cases, so that was a 25% increase in our cases just in one day, Fluitt said. Thats just my opinion but I think thats thats where were headed.Anyone who believes they might have coronavirus should follow the CDC guidelines. More information on coronavirus (COVID-19):

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has again been identified in Wayne County, officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Wayne County Health Department announced Friday. The Asian tiger mosquito was discovered in Michigan for the first time in 2017, in an industrial area of Livonia in Wayne County. In 2018, the mosquitoes were again found in Wayne County, in an industrial area of Romulus. These mosquitoes are widespread from tropical to temperate regions of the globe, including many parts of the U.S. This is likely how the mosquitoes have shown up in Wayne County.

WAYNE, Mich. – It all started with a call to the Wayne County Health Department claiming bodies were being inappropriately stored at the now-shuttered Beaumont Wayne Hospital. Health Department inspectors, along with Wayne County sheriff’s deputies, were allowed on the property. Bill Nowling, Wayne County Spokesman released the following statement:“Yesterday the Wayne County Health Division received a report that Beaumont Wayne was storing dead bodies in a vacant building on its campus. After being initially turned away by the hospital administrators today, county health inspectors were allowed access to the building and discovered a makeshift morgue in operation containing approximately 50 bodies. READ: Michigan representatives condemn temporary closure of Beaumont Wayne in midst of COVID-19 pandemic

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company announced Saturday night two of its team members died after contracting COVID-19. The company said both employees were members of the UAW -- One worked at the Dearborn Stamping Plant and the other worker in the Electronic Data Center. UPDATE, March 28, 8 p.m.: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases total 4,658; Death toll rises to 111A statement from the company can be read below. “It is a tragic reminder that the coronavirus crisis is everywhere and requires the attention of all of us. More information on coronavirus (COVID-19):

DETROIT – The Wayne County Health Department is issuing emergency orders mandating essential businesses designated by Michigan’s "stay home” order to screen all employees for illnesses, exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and establish protocols for social distancing within the workplace. Screening for chilcare workersAn additional order requires screening protocols for childcare workers who provide care for children or dependents of critical infrastructure workers. The protocols include daily screening for staff and customers, parents and guardians of children begin cared for, and essential visitors of these establishments. No social distancing is required for these businesses due to the nature of work. The measures will be enforced and violations are subject to citation and penalty as outlined by the Public Health Code.

DETROIT – Officials have confirmed three coronavirus deaths in the state of Michigan Thursday -- all three at hospitals in Metro Detroit. ORIGINAL STORY: 3 confirmed coronavirus deaths in Michigan: What we know about the patientsThe most recent was woman in her 50s from Wayne County died at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac. RELATED: Woman at McLaren Oakland Hospital is Michigan’s third confirmed coronavirus deathOfficials said she had underlying health conditions prior to contracting the virus. “It may just be the more testing we do, the more positives we have,” said Oakland County executive David Coulter. He was Michigan’s second confirmed coronavirus death.

3 confirmed coronavirus deaths at Metro Detroit hospitalsPublished: March 19, 2020, 5:16 pmOfficials have confirmed three coronavirus deaths in the state of Michigan Thursday -- all three at hospitals in Metro Detroit.

DETROIT – Officials have confirmed three coronavirus deaths in the state of Michigan -- all three at hospitals in Metro Detroit. A man who tested positive for COVID-19 died early Wednesday morning at the hospital, health officials said. Officials with Henry Ford Health System announced the state’s second confirmed coronavirus death before 9:45 a.m. Thursday (March 19). Minutes after the state’s second coronavirus-related death was confirmed, health officials announced the first death from the virus in Oakland County. A woman at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac became the third confirmed death in the state, officials said.