The Health Division has created a website to provide residents with the most up-to-date information available related to the county’s distribution and supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. The website is www.OaklandCountyVaccine.com.
Supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine at the local level are extremely limited.
Hospital systems and local health departments are receiving limited doses from the state. CVS and Walgreens are receiving doses from the state to vaccinate residents of nursing homes. As improvements are made in the distribution plan by the federal government, the supply of vaccines will increase as will the number of providers.
The goal is that residents should have multiple options through which to receive a vaccine, but that is not the case at this time. They can now complete a “Save Your Spot” form to be placed in line for the COVID-19 vaccine. When they are eligible to set an appointment and vaccine doses are available, the Health Division will contact those on the list by phone, text or email.
To “Save Your Spot” and find more information about eligibility and distribution, visit www.OaklandCountyVaccine.com.
The Board unanimously passed a resolution urging the nation’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase the vaccine supply for Oakland County and the State of Michigan at its January 21 meeting.
The federal government oversees the ordering, distribution and tracking of the COVID-19 vaccines. All doses of the vaccine are ordered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The OCHD has completed vaccinating priority Phase 1A individuals, which includes emergency medical personnel, healthcare workers, and residents of long-term care facilities. Vaccination appointments can now be set for Phase 1B individuals, which includes resident 65 years and older and some front-line essential workers. An insufficient supply of vaccines means that once appointments are available, they are immediately booked.
The most up-to-date information about vaccines from the Oakland County Health Division can be found at www.OaklandCountyVaccine.com. The website allows those eligible, based on the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to make appointments to receive the shot. The website also contains additional information related to the vaccine and links to COVID-19 resources.
Seventy-four Oakland County businesses will share $1.77 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants awarded recently by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Oakland County employers – with the support of Oakland County Michigan Works! – were awarded the funds to hire and train 313 new employees, expand the skills of 1,459 existing workers and create 12 new registered apprenticeships during the year. Local employers have received more than $7.5 million in grants since the program began in 2014.
Area companies receiving grants include, among others: Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Barron Industries, Becker Orthopedic Appliances Co., Coventry Industries, Henry Ford Medical Group, Marada Industries, MPI, Orion Measurement Solutions, Parry Precision: Madison Heights, Spalding DeDecker Associates, Superior Materials, Titan Metallurgy, Ultra-Grip International, Welding Technology Corp. and Williams International.
Visit http://bit.ly/OCGoProGrnts for a full list of awarded companies.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chief of Staff Chris Ward has been appointed as a deputy county executive, filling the final vacancy on County Executive Dave Coulter’s executive staff.
Ward will begin his new role February 4. He has been the Board’s chief of staff since 2016. He also served as chief deputy clerk and as a state legislator for six years.
Ward will use his knowledge of county government and focus on strategic policy initiatives, improving and facilitating relations with the board and the administration, oversee and manage state and federal policy development, and act as a liaison with other county-wide offices on executive priorities. He will also lead strategic relations with partner organizations to advance Oakland County initiatives.
A Waterford Township resident, Ward and has more than 28 years of service in local, county and state government, including 25 years as an elected or appointed official.
Visit http://bit.ly/CWDepOCExec to read more.
The Oakland County Farmer’s Market has launched a virtual education series that will be posted to the Oakland County Farmers Market Facebook page by 10 a.m. on February 6 and 20. The series, Discover Michigan Fresh, provides growing, handling and preserving tips as well as healthy recipes to help you take advantage of the delicious Michigan-grown bounty from your backyard or local farmers market.
On February 9, Oakland County Parks and Recreation historian Carol Bacak Egbo will host a Zoom chat titled “The Search for the Ellis Farm Outhouse.” Participants will learn about the history behind the nearly 5,000 artifacts OCPR’s archaeology team discovered while searching for the privy pit of the Ellis farm outhouse. Visit http://bit.ly/OCChats21 to find the Zoom link and more information about additional events.
For information about additional events, including guided nature hikes, programs for homeschooling, ice fishing and more, visit www.oakgov.com/parks/Pages/events.aspx.
Oakland County’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations continue, sheltered from winter weather.
The locations are in the communities of Holly, Rochester, Southfield and Pontiac. They are open by appointment only, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as follows:
- Mondays: Old Holly Fire Station, 313 S Broad St., Holly
- Tuesdays: Rochester Fire Station, 277 E Second St., Rochester
- Wednesdays: Southfield City Hall Employee Parking Deck, 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield
- Thursdays: Pontiac Fire Station, 348 South Blvd., Pontiac
COVID-19 tests are available for anyone age 4 years and over. Children age 17 years and under must have COVID-19 symptoms and be a resident of or attend school in Oakland County to be tested. There is no charge for tests and no prescription is needed. Appointments are required.
Please call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to make an appointment.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners Facebook page and is a great way for residents to stay engaged with the Board.
Anyone can “Like” @oakgov.boc to see the latest press releases, meet our commissioners, learn about events going on around the county and more.
Visit www.facebook.com/oakgov.boc to like the page.
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