Health Department urges vaccination, handwashing after two confirmed cases of hepatitis A
The symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, jaundice and stomach pain and can be similar to other illnesses, according to the CDC. A two-dose vaccine has been proven to help prevent infection and is recommended.
๐ Eligible now? Your Washtenaw County vaccine questions, answered
More than half a million people became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan yesterday, including those over age 50 and those over age 16 with preexisting medical conditions or disabilities. Here in Washtenaw County, the Health Department announced a new online, self-scheduling system for both of its mass vaccination sites. I spoke with Washtenaw County Health Department public information officer, Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, who addressed common concerns, explained how the county is handling vaccine supply and offered some tips for those trying to get a coveted first-dose appointment. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson amounts are all different. *She explained that people who have known allergies to ingredients in a vaccine will be assigned to a specific vaccine.
How long does it take COVID-19 vaccine to be effective after receiving shot?
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)This is one of the top questions we receive right now:How long after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine shot does it take for it to be effective? โThat means itโs possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. There have been cases of people being inadvertently billed after they received the vaccine, but those errors were identified and corrected. Are the precautions after receiving the vaccine (and waiting two weeks) the same for a high risk person as for the general population?
Washtenaw County Health Department starts new scheduling process for COVID-19 vaccine
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine expanded statewide on Monday and the Washtenaw County Health Department has switched to a new scheduling method. For those who need it, the Health Department is also providing phone scheduling. Read: Michigan COVID vaccine eligibility expands Monday: What to knowAdThe Health Department reminds residents that other sites are offering the vaccine, including the new FEMA/State of Michigan Ford Field site and retail pharmacies. We also recognize there are still challenges,โ Jimena Loveluck, health officer with Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. AdPop-up vaccination clinics will continue throughout Washtenaw County to ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccine to communities hit hardest by the virus.
How well do COVID vaccines protect after organ transplant?
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)A new study raised questions about how well COVID-19 vaccines protect organ transplant recipients โ and what precautions people with suppressed immune systems should take after the shots. Transplant recipients take powerful immune-suppressing drugs to prevent organ rejection, which also increases their risk from the coronavirus โ but excluded them from vaccine studies. Specialists say the shots appear safe for transplant recipients and any protection is better than none. A few weeks after the first dose, 17% of the transplant recipients had developed antibodies against the coronavirus, said Dr. Dorry Segev, a Hopkins transplant surgeon who co-authored the study. Those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant might be able to get vaccinated first.
Washtenaw County opens second mass COVID-19 vaccination site in Chelsea
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Health Department had announced it is adding a second mass COVID-19 vaccination center on the countyโs west side. The Health Department will run the site in collaboration with St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea hospital and Chelsea School District. โWe continue to use all of our resources to make sure we give available vaccine as quickly as possible,โ health officer with Washtenaw County Health Department, Jimena Loveluck, said in a statement. St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea hospital has been administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents in western Washtenaw County. The Washtenaw County Health Department said it cannot offer residents a choice of which vaccine they receive -- whether it be Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
NY officials removed fuller tally of nursing home deaths
About a third of the state's nursing home fatalities were excluded from the report as a result of the change. Impeach,โ tweeted Queens Assembly member Ron Kim, who said Cuomo bullied him for criticizing how Cuomo withheld nursing home data. AdState officials acknowledged even then that the true number of deaths was higher because the report was excluding patients who died in hospitals. State officials insisted Thursday that the edits were made because of concerns about accuracy. The administration initially released data about how many nursing home residents died at both hospitals and nursing homes, but quietly stopped in early May.
Washtenaw County Health Department launches COVID-19 vaccine data site
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Health Department has launched a new COVID-19 vaccine data page to share the countyโs weekly vaccination progress with the community. The site will be updated weekly and will help the Health Department and other vaccine providers monitor progress in the area. Screenshot from the Washtenaw County Health Department's new COVID-19 vaccine data page. (Washtenaw County Health Department)โReliable data are critical for understanding and improving health equity,โ Jimena Loveluck, Washtenaw County health officer, said in a statement. Once supplies increase, the page will expand to include the new vaccination site slated to open on the west side of Washtenaw County.
AP-NORC poll: A third of US adults skeptical of COVID shots
More recently, he said the spread of more contagious variants of the virus increases the need for more people to get their shots โ and quickly. The poll of 1,055 adults, taken Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, provides insight into the skepticism. About the same percentage said they donโt trust COVID-19 vaccines. And 38% said they donโt believe they need a vaccine, with a similar share saying that they donโt know if a COVID-19 vaccine will work and that they don't trust the government. ___The AP-NORC poll of 1,055 adults was conducted Jan. 28-Feb. 1 using a sample drawn from NORCโs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population.
Michigan health department issues Interim Guidance for Athletics
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued Interim Guidance for Athletics following its epidemic order announced last week to allow contact sports to resume starting Monday. If masks cannot be worn, participants must be regularly tested for COVID-19 consistent with guidelines issued by MDHHS. Sports organizers are encouraged to administer a testing program even if it is not required. Even when not required, we urge teams to implement a testing program to protect athletes, coaches and their families.โAdIt is recommended that spectators are limited to two per athlete. Additional recommendations included in the MDHHS guidance include:
The Latest: Wash. state warns hospitals on VIP vaccinations
The state crossed that mark Monday, exactly a year after officials reported the first case of a coronavirus infection in Massachusetts. โ Marylandโs acting health secretary says the stateโs hospitals have received less than half of their expected allocations of second doses of the coronavirus vaccine for front-line health workers this week. Schrader says state officials were talked with the federal Department of Health and Human Services all weekend trying to figure out what happened. The CDC says Iowa has delivered 190,689 first vaccine doses to individuals, or 6,044 per 100,000 people, the third lowest rate in the nation. Ad___PRAGUE โ The Czech Republic is not planning to limit use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for elderly people like some other European Union nations.
Expanded vaccine rollout in US spawns a new set of problems
Mississippi's Health Department stopped taking new appointments the same day it began accepting them because of a โmonumental surgeโ in requests. In California, counties begged for more coronavirus vaccine to reach millions of their senior citizens. โThis is about life and death.โIn Mississippi, officials said new appointments will probably have to wait until a hoped-for shipment of vaccine in mid-February. But the local hospital had no openings on Wednesday, Clark said, and the other vaccination sites are too far away. โSheโs too old.โAllison Salerno, an audio producer from Athens, Georgia, said she spent the better part of a day calling her stateโs health department to get a vaccine appointment for her 89-year-old mother.
Washtenaw County Health Department to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility Monday
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Health Department will begin scheduling for the next phase of vaccinations beginning on Monday. Until now, the Health Department has been actively vaccinating health care workers that fall under Phase 1A. Local health departments were authorized this week by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to begin inoculating the following groups starting Monday:People age 65 years or older. โIn Washtenaw County, this represents thousands of newly eligible individuals,โ read a news release from the Health Department. The Health Department cautions that appointments may be scheduled weeks away depending on vaccine supply and overall capacity.
Metro Detroit COVID vaccine rollout plans: Follow updates here
Michigan will receive about 84,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the first round. Here we have a running list of COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans from Metro Detroit health departments and hospitals:Health departmentsWayne County:The Wayne County Health Department is holding a virtual news conference at 11 a.m. Monday. They expect to move to 14,000 Pfizer vaccine doses a week as production kicks into high gear. Henry Ford hospitals:The Henry Ford Health System said it has only been told to expect delivery sometime between Tuesday and Thursday and, of course, they are waiting for an update. This includes Henry Ford Detroit, Henry Ford Wyandotte, Henry Ford Macomb, Henry Ford West Bloomfield and Henry Ford Jackson.
'Tis the pandemic season: White House parties on amid virus
A U.S. Marine Corps band performs in the Entrance Hall of the White House during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington. The D.C. Health Department canโt do much more than track the numbers and hope its virus guidelines are being followed. But the White House and other federal properties are not required to comply with those rules. On Wednesday night, Trump hosted about 200 guests at the White House for the annual Hanukkah celebration. Bowser's government has generally avoided direct confrontations with the Trump White House over virus protocols.
St. Clair County Health Department issues public health alert as virus spreads
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. โ St. Clair County is experiencing a rapid and concerning acceleration of COVID-19 positive cases. As of Monday, Nov. 9, the county is experiencing a record 9.5% positivity rate. Additionally, the Health Departmentโs ability to effectively investigate cases to determine sources and exposure of infection have become increasingly limited. And we have to act now.โGeneral COVID-19 questions can be directed to the St. Clair County informational hotline line at 810-966- 4163, or email covid19@stclaircounty.org. Additional resources are available on the Health Department website at www.scchealth.co or on social media @scchdmi.
COVID-19 cases associated with Brighton Assembly of God
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mich. โ The Livingston County Health Department is alerting the public about potential COVID-19 exposure at the Brighton Assembly of God. As of today, 14 unrelated individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 reported attending services at Brighton Assembly of God on October 4, October 7, and October 11. The positive cases are residents of multiple counties including Livingston, Washtenaw, and Oakland. Due to the high rate of transmission and an increase in COVID-19 cases among attendees of Brighton Assembly of God, LCHD highly recommends COVID-19 testing for all individuals who attend the church, whether they have symptoms or not. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 143,106 as of Friday, including 6,987 deaths, state officials report.
The Latest: Australia prioritizes air service to 3 countries
That means health care professionals account for about 15% of all Mexicoโs confirmed coronavirus cases, and about 18% of all COVID-19 deaths. Active-service health care workers largely mirrored Mexicoโs over-all fatality rate of almost 67 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The stateโs average number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased from 476 cases a day on Sept. 29 to 685 cases on Oct. 13. Before then, the only confirmed coronavirus death in a Missouri veterans home was in April in north St. Louis County. There were an additional 1,121 confirmed cases, bringing the total to 102,614 since the pandemic began.
DC government unable to connect with White House on outbreak
A member of the cleaning staff sprays The James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington. Bowser acknowledged on Monday that White House medical officials โhave their hands fullโ at the moment. Instead it has been forced to entrust the White House medical staff to conduct its own contact tracing. Dr. LaQuandra Nesbit, head of the D.C. Health Department, said the process must begin with an official notification from a medical professional. White House spokesman Judd Deere said Monday that the White House "has established a robust contact tracing program led by the White House Medical Unit with CDC integration to provide appropriate recommendations.โHe said those who com in close proximity to Trump would continue to be tested.
Some Orthodox Jews bristle at NYC's response to virus surge
Amid a new surge of COVID-19 in New Yorks Orthodox Jewish communities, many residents are reviving health measures that some had abandoned over the summer social distancing, wearing masks. The officials say worst-hit zip codes overlap with large Orthodox Jewish communities in the cityโs boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens and in a couple of nearby counties. Last week, Agudath Israel of America, an Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, worked with the Boro Park Jewish Community Council to distribute 400,000 masks. โThe Jewish community feels theyโre being singled out and thereโs some element of ant-Semitism,โ he said Monday. In 2018 and 2019, measles cases spread in Orthodox communities in New York as well as other regions.
Oakland County residents urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites amid confirmed EEE cases
DETROIT โ The Oakland County Health Division and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are reminding residents to take precautions from mosquito bites as cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been confirmed in two horses in Holly and Ortonville. MDHHS also recommends out of an abundance of caution that officials consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. Read more: Michigan health department encourages officials to reschedule outdoor activities as EEE cases increaseโThese animal cases show that EEE is present in Oakland County,โ said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. โResidents in all of our communities need to take simple steps to reduce the risk of serious disease from mosquito bites such as limiting exposure at outdoor activities and wearing mosquito repellent.โFollow these prevention tips:Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. The public is urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost of the year.
UK begins testing a new app to fight COVID-19 spread
LONDON Britain started testing a new smartphone app Thursday to help people find out whether theyve been close to someone infected with COVID-19 after security concerns torpedoed an earlier effort to use technology to track the disease. The Department of Health and Social Care said that trials of the app began on the Isle of Wight, with testing in the London borough of Newham scheduled to begin soon. The app, which was developed in conjunction with privacy experts and companies such as Google and Apple, is similar to technology being used in Germany and Ireland. ``It uses the latest security technology and is designed with user privacy in mind, so it tracks the virus, not people, the Health Department said in a statement. The app uses bluetooth technology to determine when a users phone has been in close proximity to the phone of someone who has tested positive for the disease.
Senior program participants tie the knot in Sterling Heights
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. The PACE facility in Sterling Heights is not your typical wedding venue. Two people who met at PACE about a year ago, but in reality, had an encounter back in 1965. She was wearing all white dress with white stockings, John Holland remembered about the couples first meeting. PACE Southeast Michigan has five centers located in Dearborn, Sterling Heights, Eastpointe, Southfield, Downtown Detroit (Rivertown). We serve over 1,200 seniors through Metro Detroit with the goal of keeping them safe, independent, and in the community.
9 coronavirus cases linked to wedding reception at Southgate banquet hall
SOUTHGATE, Mich. โ 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.
Health officials warn northwest Michiganders of potential exposure to COVID-19 on May 29
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has identified public locations that may have had low-risk exposure to COVID-19 on May 29. Anyone who wishes to be tested may call the Michigan coronavirus hotline at 1-888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest to find an appropriate testing location. Businesses in northern parts of Michigan were allowed to partially reopen amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on May 22. How easily the virus spreadsHow easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.
New Macomb County project hopes to trace COVID-19 hotspots by testing sewage
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. Macomb County announced Wednesday an initiative to test and sample sewage in a new effort to identify and trace COVID-19 hotspots. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Heres where we stand todayThe Macomb County Public Works Office is working with Michigan State and Oakland universities to determine the effectiveness of testing sewage for COVID-19. Workers will collect samples at seven sites in Clinton Township twice per week through the summer. Through this, we hope we can identify if certain neighborhoods or parts of a community where there is a hot spot," said Macomb County Commissioner Candice Miller. Officials say that if the project proves successful, it can be easily expanded to other areas within the county.
City of Wayne says it never approved makeshift morgue at Beaumont Hospital
WAYNE, Mich. โ Officials with the city of Wayne say they didnโt approve a makeshift morgue at Beaumont Hospital during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Health Department inspectors, along with Wayne County sheriffโs deputies, found the temporary morgue with about 50 bodies in it while visiting the hospital Tuesday. The city says it referred the hospital to the Building and Engineering director, who would address permitting requirements. Then, in mid-April, the hospital contacted the cityโs Building and Engineering Director regarding the placement of a temporary morgue in the former laundry building. The city is working with Beaumont, as it does all its businesses, to ensure any facility is safe for use.โLast week, Beaumont Wayne announced that the hospital had no patients.
City denies claim that it approved temporary morgue for COVID-19 deaths at Beaumont Wayne Hospital
WAYNE, Mich. โ The city of Wayne released a statement Wednesday that refutes claims that it approved a temporary morgue at Beaumont Hospital in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Health Department inspectors, along with Wayne County sheriffโs deputies, found the temporary morgue with about 50 bodies in it while visiting the hospital Tuesday. The city says it referred the hospital to the Building and Engineering director, who would address permitting requirements. Then, in mid-April, the hospital contacted the cityโs Building and Engineering Director regarding the placement of a temporary morgue in the former laundry building. The city is working with Beaumont, as it does all its businesses, to ensure any facility is safe for use.โLast week, Beaumont Wayne announced that the hospital had no patients.
Detroit Health Department breaks down COVID-19 cases by zip code
DETROIT โ The city of Detroit is now mapping cases by zip code. The zip code 48235 in the Northwest part of the city near Eight Mile Road and Southfield Freeway has the most cases. Updated April 18 -- Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 30,791; Death toll now at 2,308 with 3,237 recoveries reportedโI hope you can see the yellow line thatโs Detroit. As of mid April, Detroitโs Health Department says there are 7,947 positive COVID-19 cases and 590 deaths, in the city alone. Zip code is 48221 is also in the top three with 507 cases.
Detroit is now mapping COVID-19 cases by ZIP code
DETROIT โ The Detroit Health Department has started releasing COVID-19 cases by ZIP code. According the new map released Saturday, April 18, the 48235 ZIP code -- south of 8 Mile Road, north of Puritan Avenue and between the Southfield Freeway and Meyers Road -- has the most confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) with 724 cases. Take a look at the map here. The city says some ZIP codes with very low case counts are excluded from the map to protect privacy. Hereโs more COVID-19 data from the Detroit Health Department:More: COVID-19 data for Michigan
Oakland County resident being tested for coronavirus after traveling to China, officials say
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. โ Michigan health officials said an Oakland County resident is being tested for coronavirus after traveling to China within the last two weeks. The resident is being hospitalized at an undisclosed location, officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said. โWe have a new person under investigation for the 2019 novel coronavirus," said Lynn Sutfin, a spokeswoman for the state health department. "They are from Oakland County. In the U.S., health officials say at least 12 people have tested positive, and results are pending on dozens more, including four passengers on a cruise ship docked in New Jersey on Friday morning.
Michigan health officials step up to support response as coronavirus outbreak continues
DETROIT โ As cases of the novel coronavirus continue to increase around the world, health officials in Michigan are stepping up to support the response to the outbreak. On Monday, the Michigan Department of Health Activated its Community Health Emergency Coordination Center. The move is an important step to support the response at a state and local level. Travelers are being routed to those 11 airports for enhanced screening. Health officials continue to stress that the flu poses an even greater threat to Americans.