Ottawa County's COVID-19 Response Updates - Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 04/28/2020 10:19 PM EDT

Ottawa County I Tuesday, April 28

Latest Video Update
Media Contact: Kristina Wieghmink, OCDPH public information officer
kwieghmink@miottawa.org I mobile/text 616-510-8523

**The Facebook Live Briefings and Response Update Bulletins will only be distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting tomorrow.**

Click on the dashboard to expand. Data Source: Michigan Disease Surveillance System.

*Recovered data in the April 27, 2020 bulletin was incorrect. The current recovered count is 39.

Some children are not safe, especially during the COVD-19 restrictions to Stay Home and Stay Safe

During this time of the COVD-19 restrictions to Stay Home and Stay Safe, some children are not safe. This is extremely traumatic for those children who are living in abusive homes. As we’ve been providing information and resources on mental health and domestic violence, we want to also help increase awareness of child abuse prevention.
Children who are being abused, when they finally get the courage to tell, typically tell a teacher, social worker, a youth pastor or another trusted adult. These are people children don't have direct access to when they have to stay home.

"To anyone who works with child survivors of sexual or physical abuse, an order like the one we're experiencing right now is probably all of our biggest nightmares," said Darcy Fluhary, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Ottawa County.

The Children’s Advocacy Center is seeing a tremendous decline in the cases of child sexual abuse being reported. Since the onset of COVID-19, referrals are down 70% from this same time last year. Unfortunately, we know child sexual abuse is continuing to happen and children are isolated more than ever.

What you can do to be proactive in preventing sexual abuse during this time.

LEARN MORE

LEARN THE FACTS - MINIMIZE OPPORTUNITY - TALK ABOUT IT - RECOGNIZE SIGNS - REACT RESPONSIBLY

For more information, please visit cac-ottawa.org or call 616-393-6123.

facebook.com/cacottawa

VIRTUAL MEETING WITH OTTAWA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Friday, May 1, 1:00 to 1:45 pm The Ottawa County Department of Public Health has been tireless in keeping the community informed. They join the West Coast Chamber of Commerce this week to speak directly with its members. Learn more about the COVID-19 background and investigation from their Senior Epidemiologist, and get recommendations for prevention and communications from their Public Information Officer. There will be time for audience Q&A. REGISTER HERE

How to Make & Wear a Face Covering

View printable reference and instructional sheet I Video demonstration

#OttawaStaysHome

How are you staying occupied during Stay Home - Stay Safe? Why do you stay home? Use the hashtag OttawStaysHome to share and visit Facebook.com/OttawaCounty to view some of the community posts Ottawa County has shared.

It's Been a Rough Month

Parenting, mental health and substance use disorder resources

We are all juggling so many roles right now: parent, spouse, teacher, remote worker or maybe unemployed worker. And we are all trying to stay healthy and connected while searching for our next roll of toilet paper. Not to make light of a serious situation, but this is a lot for us to handle. Not surprisingly, alcohol sales were up 55% in March, while calls to both crisis and warm lines have also increased as our time at home has lengthened. This issue is dedicated to providing resources you can use now: mental health resources, addiction resources, parenting resources, because all of us could use a little help right now.

Click for the state and local COVID-19 resource list

English I Spanish

Click for the Pandemic EBT Program Information.

English I Spanish

Click for other local resources and services list

English I Spanish

Please call first - services and programs may be limited, at this time.

VIRTUAL MEETING WITH RON LEWIS

Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 to 9:30 am Our healthcare providers are on the front lines as our country battles COVID-19. Ron Lewis, President of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, joins us to provide insights on the virus and an inside look at the preparedness of the healthcare system in our area. REGISTER HERE

VIRTUAL MEETING: CITY OF ZEELAND EDITION

Thursday, April 30, 9:00 to 9:30 am Join us for an opportunity to hear updates from Mayor Kevin Klynstra, City Manager Tim Klunder, and City Marketing Director, Abby deRoo, around the City of Zeeland's response to COVID-19. REGISTER HERE

VIRTUAL MEETING WITH STATE LEGISLATORS

Friday, May 1, 8:30 to 9:15 am We are committed to keeping you connected to the most important updates from our state government. Join us at Capitol Connections for a virtual opportunity to hear from each of our legislators on COVID-19 updates. REGISTER HERE

VIRTUAL MEETING WITH OTTAWA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Friday, May 1, 1:00 to 1:45 pm The Ottawa County Department of Public Health has been tireless in keeping the community informed. They join us this week to speak directly with our members. Come learn about the COVID-19 background and investigation from their Senior Epidemiologist, and get recommendations for prevention and communications from their Public Information Officer. There will be time for audience Q&A. REGISTER HERE

State Treasury Providing Student Loan Assistance During COVID-19 Pandemic

Collection Activities on Delinquent Loans Halted Until Sept. 30, 2020

The Michigan Department of Treasury today announced Michiganders who have student loans guaranteed by the state will be provided assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collection activities on delinquent Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) student loans, made by a financial institution and serviced by the Michigan Guaranty Agency, will be halted until Sept. 30, 2020.