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Updates I Tuesday, April 14
Latest COVID-19 Video Updates
Media Contact: Kristina Wieghmink, OCDPH public information officer
kwieghmink@miottawa.org I mobile/text 616-510-8523
Click the dashboard to expand. Only laboratory-confirmed cases are displayed. Case counts may differ
from those reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
if cases get reassigned to or from different jurisdictions.
Data Source: Michigan Disease Surveillance System.
Data are updated daily at miOttawa.org/miHealth.
What does health equity have to
do with responding to COVID-19?
Public health is more than pandemics
The public health system is multi-faceted from responding to disease outbreaks to inspecting septic systems and wells, providing in-home visits for pregnant women and newborn babies, immunizing children and adults, testing for and treating sexually transmitted diseases, inspecting restaurants, providing children with hearing and vision screenings, providing dental services and so much more. All of the public health programs and services contribute to the health and wellness of our community. When we have a healthy community and optimal health can be achieved for all people, lives are saved, the quality and length of life increases, diseases are eliminated or contained, and the cost and burden on the healthcare system, public health mitigations and taxpayers' dollars are lowered.
Health equity is when all people have the opportunity to attain their full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance.
Health disparities contribute to prolonged mitigation
The community mitigation strategies put in place by state and local health officials (Executive Order: Stay Home - Stay Safe) are designed to slow the spread of disease. If viruses, such as this new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, are not contained then restrictions are prolonged; keeping our society from functioning how it needs to economically and healthily. Amid this pandemic and pre/post-pandemic, people need to have access to healthcare and mental health services, food, safety, housing, education, employment and so much more no matter their race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual identity, disability, socioeconomic status, religion or another status.
Health equity is essential.
When our community is better prepared and has the needed health resources, the better we can respond to disease outbreaks.
What are the needs of our community?
With the increased need for food, housing, healthcare and mental health services, utilities assistance and more during the COVID-19 response, people in Ottawa County have pulled together even more to address these needs. The systems and programs put in place by public health, mental health, healthcare systems, businesses and community foundations, organizations and members over the years have all contributed to preparing our community and aiding in its response. Before COVID-19, Ottawa County identified its needs through data collection and research collaborations:
- Access to healthcare
- Access and treatment for mental health
- Access to healthy, local and affordable food choices
and opportunities for physical activities
What can we do?
If you are in need of any health and human services, please call 2-1-1. If you want to help contribute to the needs of Ottawa County, please visit CareOttawaCounty.com for more information on how you can donate time and/or resources. The needs of any community are far too great for one person or agency to handle alone. It is through the collective efforts of all community members aiding one another during this time that will get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and any other future challenges we may face.
Thank you to everyone who gives of their time, commitment, resources and support!
Learn more about Ottawa County's top health priorities, health data and community improvement plans at miOttawa.org/healthdata.
Through the county's collaborative research over the years, we've been able to receive additional funding through the state and community foundations to provide new and/or improved programs and services, such as
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Pathways to Better Health - A program designed to assist people with accessing community services, to improve health outcomes and decrease unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The program employs community health workers who walk alongside people who have chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, depression/anxiety, long-term pain and more), help them set goals and guide them through the healthcare system and community resources.
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Ottawa Food - A collaboration of more than 40 local agencies and individuals that exists to ensure all Ottawa County residents have access to healthy, local and affordable food choices. Initiatives include the Meet Up and Eat Up summer meal program, farmers market donations to local pantries, reducing food waste and much more.
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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Collaboration of multiple agencies in Ottawa County to address mental health needs, suicide ideation and attempts and substance use disorders among youth and adults.
English I Spanish
#OttawaStaysHome
Use the hashtag #OttawaStaysHome on all your social media platforms and tell us why you stay home and what you’re doing to occupy the time. The county will share its favorite posts, images and videos. Be creative! Visit Facebook.com/OttawaCounty.
Click the featured image to share.
Amanda Rubick shared: "We aren’t quite done with our #windowart yet but wanted to share to encourage everyone who hasn’t already to decorate some/all of your windows/doors/driveway/sidewalks! #OttawaStaysHome"
 
Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporarily Extending Expiration of Driver’s Licenses, State ID Cards, Vehicle Registrations
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-47, temporarily extending the expiration of valid driver’s licenses, state identification cards and commercial vehicle registrations that would otherwise expire during the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration. The temporary extension does not apply to motorists with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses.
READ MORE
Treasury: Business Taxpayers Can Pay Monthly,
Quarterly Sales, Use and Withholding Tax in May
Deadline Change Provides Tax Assistance during COVID-19 Pandemic
Certain businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have even more time to make monthly or quarterly sales, use and withholding tax payments, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Business taxpayers scheduled to make sales, use and withholding tax payments for March and April or for the first quarter of 2020 can postpone filing and payment requirements until May 20, 2020. The state Treasury Department will waive all penalties and interest.
Specific information about Treasury providing continued tax assistance to businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic can be found in Penalty and Interest Waived for 30 Days for Monthly and Quarterly Sales, Use and Withholding Returns due April 20, 2020.
READ MORE
News & Information from the State
Read all of the latest news from all state departments here.
Twitter.com/MichStatePolice I Facebook.com/MichiganStatePolice
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Governor Whitmer I Attorney General
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
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