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Good morning,
Per the state’s guidance, Macomb County is now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to a wide group of essential workers and residents over the age of 65. As you can imagine, demand for the vaccine is high, and it far outpaces our supply. We will continue to work hard to provide this service to our community with the goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19. But we ask for your patience right now.
We understand the frustration many of you experienced trying to get an appointment this week. The online scheduler received more than 100,000 hits within the first 5 minutes and the phone bank received more than 150,000 calls within the first 30 minutes. Unfortunately, there is not a system in the world that could accommodate that type of volume. Many of you received messages stating that your call could not be completed as dialed or that a landline was needed to complete the call. Please know that these are automated messages through your phone carrier and are not initiated by the County. Despite the difficult situation, we scheduled 4,207 appointments in less than 3 hours exhausting our current allotment of vaccines. And so far, we have administered more than 5,400 doses.
Please stay tuned to MacombGov.org for regularly updated information on vaccinations and available appointments. You can also visit the State of Michigan’s website for other possible vaccination locations.
Wishing you wellness,
Mark A. Hackel
Macomb County Executive
- In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Macomb County Health Department, including the COVID-19 testing site in Clinton Township, will be closed on Monday, January 18. The Health Department will resume operations on Tuesday, January 19.
- The Macomb County Health Department is currently providing COVID-19 vaccinations to paramedics and EMS workers; home health and hospice workers; other health care workers with direct or indirect contact with patients; residents over the age of 65; school employees; law enforcement and correctional officers; workers in child care institutions, adult/child protective services and homeless shelters; and all municipal employees. We ask for your patience on this matter. At this point in time, the demand for the vaccine outpaces the supply. We will continue to ask the state to increase our weekly allocation. For other possible locations to be vaccinated in our area, please click here. We expect to know more about additional appointment times early next week. Please visit MacombGov.org for regularly updated information.
- While we wait for the vaccine, please continue to follow CDC safety guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
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- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will reopen this week for new borrowers and certain existing borrowers. This applies to both first and second draw loans. For companies interested in applying for a new PPP loan, we strongly urge you to promptly consult with your financial institution and tax advisor to ensure you have the latest information as elements are still evolving, and are prepared to act as the loan funds become available. View the full announcement and details from the SBA here.
- COVID-19 testing is available at a range of locations throughout Macomb County. For details, including times, locations and contact information, click here.
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- The Macomb Food Program will be distributing non-perishable items to families in Macomb County facing food insecurity on January 21. Visit the Max Thompson Family Resource Center in Warren between 10 a.m. and Noon to pick up food items and frozen meats, as well as dairy and produce (if available). This is a drive-up distribution event. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicle while items are loaded into their trunks. This is a first-come first-serve event while supplies last. Recipients will be asked to provide their signature upon receipt of food items; there are no other eligibility requirements. To learn more about the Macomb Food Program or to volunteer, click here.
- The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation is administering a state grant for employees impacted by the MDHHS Order that took effect on November 18, 2020. These individuals can apply for assistance up to $1,650 beginning January 15 at 9 a.m. Workers in the following industries are eligible: Restaurants; hotels, motels, bed & breakfast and resorts; bars; food trucks; bowling alleys; theaters; nightclubs; golf courses; banquet halls; caterers; casinos; cafeterias; and other impacted industries. All eligible employees in Michigan should apply online at mrlaef.org/money. The application will close at 5 p.m. on January 25.
- Macomb County leaders and personnel have been on the ground responding to the COVID-19 crisis since mid-March. Here’s what has been accomplished so far:
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Executive Mark Hackel has been regularly sharing video updates with Macomb County residents on YouTube and social media. Click on the link below for the latest updates.
- $300 COVID-19 unemployment payments slowly making way to Michigan residents. Read more.
- U.S.-Canada border closure extended as Ontario issues stay-home order. Read more.
- In-person dining to resume in Michigan on Feb. 1. Read more.
- Mark Hackel names new director of Macomb County Health Department. Read more.
The Macomb County Emergency Operations Center and Department of Health continue to lead local efforts to respond to the ever-evolving nature of COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest COVID-19 data, news and information, click on the buttons below for helpful resources available to you.
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