Ottawa County Updates I July 28, 2020

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

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Since our last update, a man in his late 90s with underlying health conditions passed away. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Click the image to open all data sets.

Click the image to expand. Source: E.M Resource System

Click the button for the Spanish version.

Click the image to expand. Sources: Michigan Disease Surveillance System, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

What is Percent Positive?

According to the MI Safe Start Plan, percent positive (positivity rate) is the number of positive tests divided by the total number of tests given. If there is a high level of testing and the percent positive is low, this could indicate low transmission of COVID-19 in the community. It could also suggest that we have enough testing and a good understanding of the state of the epidemic in our area. If the percent positive is high (>5%) despite high levels of testing, it could suggest COVID-19 is still spreading, that we need more testing, or that we have a poor understanding of the true extent of the epidemic.  Trends over time in positivity rates are most useful, because they help us estimate if transmission may be slowing or increasing.

Example:

• 5 people test positive for COVID-19 out of 100 people tested = positivity is 5% or 1 in 20 people.
• If we increased testing to 200 people, we would expect 10 people to test positive (5% or 1 in 20) if the spread of the virus was relatively low. 
• However, if 20 people tested positive out of 200 people tested, the average positivity is 10% or 1 in 10, indicating COVID-19 is still spreading in the community, and that more testing would be beneficial for detecting the virus.

"Positivity trends give us more insight into the pace of community transmission, and can help evaluate our testing and disease control efforts," said Derel Glashower, senior epidemiologist.

Click to learn more about Michigan's data.

Updated: 7/25/20 - The Grand Rapids Region (2) has declined to Medium-High risk based on a 2-week reduction in case count and declining percent positivity and Covid-like symptoms. See the SAFE START MAP for more information.

These are the Risk Phases. They are different than the Safe Start Phases.

These are the Safe Start Phases. They are different than the Risk Phases.

Ottawa County--Region 2 of the SAFE START PLAN--is still in Phase 4: Improving but is now in Medium-High Risk instead of High Risk. We still have much work to do - Keep helping to slow the spread of COVID-19!

Executive Orders

Temporary Restrictions I Safeguards to Protect Workers I Masks I Full List

Learn more about MI Safe Start.

COVID-19 DRIVE-THRU TESTING

Mondays - 9 AM to 12 PM (less busy)
Wednesdays - 3 PM to 6 PM
Thursdays - 9 AM to 12 PM

• COVID19 testing (not antibody test) using a nasal swab and conducted by InterCare.
• No fees will be collected for any COVID-19 related service provided.
• Available for anyone with symptoms or those with no symptoms who work in a profession that puts them at high risk, those who have been exposed to someone positive for COVID-19 (even if no symptoms), those entering or living in congregate living facilities or those who will be having surgery.
• Bring a form of ID (a state or country issued ID or paperwork with your name and address [bill, mail or paystub]).
• Bring insurance information, if available. You may receive a bill directly from the lab if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the test.
• You do not have to be an InterCare patient.
• You do not have to make an appointment or bring a lab order.
• Spanish translation services will be available.
• Restrooms will not be available.
• At this time, maximum capacity for testing at this new location is approximately 100 participants per day, with plans to increase.

More information at www.intercare.org/covid-19 or call (855) 869-6900.

Click for directions.

Enter off 120th Ave, drive past the office buildings to the open parking lot before Country Inn Suites and before AMC Theater.

Click to learn more.

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CDC Creates COVID Education Toolkit for Young Adults

FACTSHEETS - SHARE - PRINT

Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Selected Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness

 This CDC report provides U.S. county-level prevalence estimates of selected underlying medical conditions that are associated with higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Among over 3,000 U.S. counties, the median percent of adults over 18 who had one of five selected underlying conditions (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity) associated with higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 was 47% and ranged as high as 66%. Obesity was the most common underlying condition reported at the local level with an estimated median county prevalence of 35.4%, followed by diabetes (12.8%), COPD (8.9%), heart disease (8.6%), and chronic kidney disease (3.4%).

This information can be used by state and local decision-makers to help identify populations at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions and guide mitigation efforts, resource allocation, and implementation of public health response strategies.

READ MORE

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Face coverings are REQUIRED to be worn before entering any Ottawa County building. For more information about county services, please visit miOttawa.org.

Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) encourages you to check in on your own mental health status as well as your friends, family, and neighbors. The ongoing ordeal of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting significant stress on all of us. Most of us are feeling frustrated, confused, and anxious. It is very important to take a moment, take a deep breath, and think about ways you can remain calm, remain positive, and be resilient. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone and talk about your concerns. CALL 2-1-1 is an excellent place to help you find mental health services and resources in our community. You can also call the CMHOC Access Center at 877-588-4357 for assistance in finding mental health services or our 24-hour Crisis Line for emergencies at 866-512-4357.

Lakeshore Advantage Director, Amanda Cooper, explains the application process and answers frequently asked questions about the Restart Grant Program.

Click to watch the recording.

Resources to keep your business up-to-date on policies and best practices that help you reopen safely and restart your businesses.

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How to be compliant with the new Executive Order on masks

In this Member Question of the Day episode, we're joined by Brian Calley, President of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), to discuss the particulars of the newest Executive Order regarding the mandatory wearing of masks in closed public spaces. We'll talk medical exemptions, enforcement, and how the general public can help businesses and their employees.

SBAM notes that it is unprecedented and concerning that front line employees are responsible for enforcing the mandatory wearing of masks in their businesses. Brian Calley, SBAM President, called upon the general public to treat these employees with respect, regardless of how one feels about wearing a mask. He asks people to voice their displeasure directly to the Governor's office, and not take it out on employees just doing their jobs.

Click to register.

WHAT WILL SCHOOL LOOK LIKE THIS FALL?

IN THE KNOW VIRTUAL MEETING

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear updates from Pete Haines, Superintendent and Kyle Mayer, Assistant Superintendent, of the Ottawa Area ISD. #Return2School is a collaborative effort to provide guidance and resources to K-12 districts and schools as they plan for a return to school.  Come prepared with questions for Q&A.

Tuesday, August 4, 10:00 - 10:30 am

REGISTER  I  RETURN2SCHOOL ROADMAP

Tuesday, July 28 Press Briefing:

Governor Whitmer Provided an Update on State’s Response to COVID-19

WATCH  I  PRESENTATION SLIDES

The governor was joined by Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, State Budget Office Director Chris Kolb, Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah, and Paola Mendivil, co-owner of El Granjero Mexican Grill in Grand Rapids. 

LEO Launches Digital Hub to Help Michigan Workers Displaced by COVID-19 Crisis Boost Skills

New website helps Michigan workers easily connect to online certification and degree programs including free training and work readiness tools

The Coronavirus crisis has created record unemployment across the country and a complicated employment landscape in Michigan. Now more than ever, Michigan workers who possess advanced skills will be better positioned to get and keep higher-paying and more stable jobs.

To that end, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has developed a digital hub to connect residents with online learning opportunities and other training resources. Whether one is looking to return to work, explore in-demand careers, learn new skills, or take the first step toward a degree or certificate, the hub has information to help Michigan workers expand their opportunities in an evolving economy.

The digital hub, Michigan.gov/SkillstoWork features a range of online learning and career exploration options – including free opportunities – for Michigan residents to consider while navigating the Covid-19 economy in the coming weeks and months, when in-person learning opportunities may be limited.

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MIOSHA focuses efforts on protecting employees in service industries with greater COVID-19 transmission risk 

To protect employees, customers and communities from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched a State Emphasis Program (SEP) focused on retail, restaurant, bar and service industry establishments that addresses the need for increased partnership, education and enforcement to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. 

Recently, Michigan has seen an uptick across the state. MIOSHA will conduct inspections by referral or randomly at bars and restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores, grocery stores and other retail establishments to review how rules are being followed, educate and enhance compliance. While inspections will seek to help employers comply with safety standards, if the inspections determine major deficiencies in the employer’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plans, citations and penalties up to $7,000 may be issued. 

READ MORE

$8.55 Million in COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grants will help employers protect workers 

With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has launched Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of – up to $10,000 – to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19. 

The initial grant application window will be open from Monday, July 27 through Friday, August 7, 2020, with awards given shortly thereafter. Grants received after August 7, 2020 will be held pending a potential second phase, if funds remain available.

READ MORE  I  BROCHURE  I  APPLY

$20 Million in Federal Funding Available to Support Local Response Efforts to COVID-19

Opportunity to unlock required match dollars as part of federal EDA CARES Act grant application process also now available

• Federal CDBG CARES Act funding to be made available through the MEDC to 77 counties across Michigan that didn’t already receive direct CDBG funding from HUD
• Funds may be used to reimburse for unbudgeted expenditures by counties to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus
• MEDC will deploy additional funds through the state CDBG program to provide 50% of the required project match, up to $250,000, for EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance program

As communities across Michigan face budget uncertainties due to unanticipated costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has made available $20 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) CARES Act funding to 77 non-entitlement counties to provide economic relief. The funding will allow non-entitlement counties to be reimbursed for unbudgeted expenditures used to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Applications accepted through August 5, 2020.

READ MORE  I  APPLY

Connect to Care makes it easy for health professionals to
find jobs in high demand due to COVID-19

MDHHS promotes employment website 

As long-term care facilities look to hire additional health care workers due to demands created by COVID-19, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) promotes the ConnectToCareJobs.com website where health professionals can quickly and easily find and apply for jobs.

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Governor Whitmer Strengthens Executive Order on Masks 

Governor’s order offers clarification for businesses, polling places, public safety officers 

July 17, 2020 - Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-153, which strengthens her previous order requiring all Michiganders to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. This new order clarifies that businesses may not assume that an unmasked customer cannot medically tolerate a face covering, though they can accept a customer’s verbal representation to that effect. It also requires public safety officers to wear a face covering unless doing so would seriously interfere in the performance of their responsibilities, and clarifies that wearing a mask at a polling place for purposes of voting in an election is not required, but strongly encouraged. 

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Michigan, Michigan State Athletic Coaches Team Up with Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist to Urge Michiganders to Mask Up 

Coaches join together to shoot new ad promoting the importance of wearing masks 

July 15, 2020 - University of Michigan and Michigan State University men’s and women’s basketball coaches joined Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist to call on Michiganders to wear a mask while they’re out in public. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also released a new television ad featuring MSU football coach Mel Tucker, MSU men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, MSU women’s basketball coach Suzy Merchant, U-M football coach Jim Harbaugh, U-M men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard, and U-M women’s basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico. In the ad that will air on local television stations across the state, the rival coaches join together to promote the importance of wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to keep Michigan moving forward, not backward. 

READ MORE  I  WATCH BRIEFING  I  PRESENTATION SLIDES

MSU men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo

Businesses and Nonprofits Now Able to Apply for Michigan Small Business Restart Program 

Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits working to recover from the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 virus can now apply for grants of up to $20,000 through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The program will provide $100 million in economic assistance to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits and in turn, help support workers and their families facing economic uncertainty during the outbreak. Information on how to apply, as well as eligibility criteria and program guidelines are available at michiganbusiness.org/restart. Applications accepted through August 5, 2020.

READ MORE  I  APPLY

Click to Apply.

Click to register.

Upcoming Webinar: Michigan Restaurants Remain Resilient in the Wake of COVID-19

From expanded carryout menus to carving out physical space to allow for additional patrons, Michigan restaurants and communities have pivoted and innovated in the wake of COVID-19. Hear from restaurateurs and communities about how they created new sources of revenue while complying with safety and social distance guidelines – and learn what’s on the horizon for the Michigan restaurant industry. Join the MEDC and Crain’s Detroit Business for a free webcast on July 29 at 12 p.m. ET.

REGISTER NOW

Application Now Live for Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant Program

The application process is now open for $15 million in grants for Michigan farms and agricultural processors to mitigate risks of the COVID-19 virus across the state’s food production industry, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today. The application, along with more information and eligibility criteria, can be found at michiganbusiness.org/agsafety.

READ MORE  I  APPLY

Governor Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases 

Governor remains committed to keeping Michiganders safe and saving lives  

After every region in Michigan saw an uptick in new COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today took swift action by signing a new executive order to save lives. Executive Order 2020-151 extends the governor’s emergency and disaster declaration until August 11, 2020 at 11:59pm. 

READ MORE

We can only contain the virus and keep Michigan open if everyone stays careful and masks up every time they leave home, whether they feel sick or not. Michiganders are required to wear a face covering every time they leave their home or place of residence including:

1. In any indoor public space.
2. In outdoor spaces where 6 feet of distancing is not possible.
3. When waiting for or riding public transportation, while in a taxi or ridesharing vehicle or other hired transportation.

READ MORE

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Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families in Response to COVID-19 Emergency Extended Through July

Approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during the month of July as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Department of Civil Rights Cautions Businesses to Comply with Federal and State Disability Laws When Enforcing Face Covering Requirement

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights cautioned Michigan businesses and other public accommodations to make sure they follow state and federal law when enforcing rules on wearing a mask or face covering in their facilities.

READ MORE

News & Information from the State

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