Ottawa County Updates I August 25, 2020
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Media Contact: Kristina Wieghmink, OCDPH public information officer
kwieghmink@miottawa.org I mobile/text 616-510-8523
 Since our last update on August 18, we are sad to report four additional deaths; a male in his 70s, two females in their 80s and a female in her 90s. All decedents had underlying health conditions. Our thoughts go out to their friends and family during this difficult time.
Click to enlarge the dashboard view and to open other data sets.
Sources: Michigan Disease Surveillance System, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
 Masks Save Lives
Content provided by the National Institutes of Health Director's Blog
Reminding others that “masks save lives” isn’t just sound advice. It’s a scientific fact that wearing one in public can help to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. But there are still skeptics around. So, just how much does a facial covering protect those around you? Quite a bit, according to researchers who created a sophisticated mathematical model to take a more detailed look. Their model shows that even if a community universally adopted a crude cloth covering that’s far less than 100 percent protective against the virus, this measure alone could significantly help to reduce deaths.
Already, more than 175,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19. The latest estimates from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, Seattle, predict that the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. may reach nearly 300,000 by December 1.
But that doesn’t have to happen. As this new study shows, face coverings—even those that are far from perfect—really can and do save lives. In fact, IHME data also show that consistent mask-wearing—starting today—could save close to 70,000 lives in the months to come. Saving those lives is up to all of us. Don’t leave home without your mask.
READ MORE
Click to watch a video about the drive-thru testing process.
National Guard Drive-thru Testing Sites
Diagnostic testing is available for those 5 years of age and older at no cost, whether you have symptoms or any known COVID-19 exposure. No screening is required. Parental or guardian consent is required for minors. Please bring a form of ID (e.g., state or country issued ID or paperwork with your name and address [bill, mail or paystub]).
The National Guard is running these testing sites. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and Ottawa County employees will provide support functions (instructions, forms, traffic control, data entry, etc.). Watch this video to learn more about the process.
All Other* COVID-19 Testing Facilities in Ottawa County I Spanish
COVID-19 Testing Sites throughout Michigan
LEARN MORE ABOUT TESTING
*These locations may have various screening requirements and out-of-pocket costs.
Positive COVID-19 cases in schools are inevitable but how do we minimize risks?
The health and safety of educators, school staff and students are a top priority. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has been working closely with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) and its member schools on plans of how to safely return kids to school. Through this collaboration, both agencies worked together to create the Ottawa County Return to School Toolkit* which provides details about what happens if there is a positive COVID-19 case in a school and how long a student or staff member must remain out of school. The protocols and information in the toolkit were developed based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. Each school district has a designated COVID-19 liaison who will help with identifying a positive COVID-19 case for immediate follow-up and contact tracing. *The toolkit was revised on August 25, 2020, to omit international travel within the last 14 days as a potential exposure based on the latest CDC guidance.
Ottawa County Return to School Toolkit
Michigan Safe School Roadmap
Executive Order 2020-142:
Provision of preK–12 education for the 2020–2021 school year
CHILDCARE I K-12 I YOUTH SPORTS I YOUNG ADULTS I HIGHER ED I MORE
 Please get your flu vaccine and help prevent an outbreak of a second communicable disease that – with COVID-19 still very much a concern – could put our state's economy and health care system at greater risk.
FIND VACCINES NEAR YOU
Face coverings are REQUIRED to be worn before entering any Ottawa County building.
For more information about county services, please visit miOttawa.org.
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Governor Whitmer Provided an Update on the State’s Response to COVID-19 on Tuesday, August 25, 2020
WATCH I PRESENTATION SLIDES
 Governor Whitmer Gets Her Flu Vaccine, Encourages All Michiganders to Do the Same
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference encouraging all Michiganders to get their flu vaccine ahead of the 2020-2021 flu season. The governor also got her flu vaccine on stage during the press conference.
“It’s more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get your flu vaccine. Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the health care resources we need to continue fighting COVID-19,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Every flu-related hospitalization we see this season will put an additional strain on Michigan’s economy and our health care systems and hospitals. Our hospitals are still reeling from the spring COVID-19 hospitalizations and are working to prepare for a potential second wave of the virus. I encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine, and tell your friends and family to do the same.”
MDHHS launches media campaign urging residents
to get flu vaccine during upcoming vital season
State sets goal of giving 33 percent more flu vaccines this year
August 25, 2020 - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced it is launching a statewide media campaign encouraging Michiganders to get their flu vaccine this fall and help prevent an outbreak of a second communicable disease that – with COVID-19 still very much a concern – could put our state's economy and health care system at greater risk.
Last flu season, an estimated 3.2 million people in Michigan received a flu vaccine as documented in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). While reporting doses to the MCIR is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory for adults aged 20 years and older. The state has set a goal of achieving a 33 percent increase in flu vaccination this season, which means more than 1 million people over last flu season. To accurately reflect how many Michiganders are receiving flu vaccine this season, reporting all doses to the MCIR is vital.
The vaccine is already available in some parts of Michigan, with an ample supply expected across the state and nation starting in early fall.
READ MORE
Business Accelerator Fund Receives Additional Funding to Build on Support for 53 Companies During Outbreak
August 25, 2020 - Following the expansion of the Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) guidelines lasting from April through June – which led to 53 companies being served around the state – the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved the transfer of an additional $700,000 to the BAF to continue supporting business accelerators in Michigan’s statewide SmartZone network that are serving startups and high-tech companies impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced.
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State Issues COVID-19 Citations for Workplace Safety Violations, Urges Businesses to Protect Employees
August 21, 2020 - To protect Michigan’s workforce and workplaces, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has been working with businesses across the state on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Following several inspections, MIOSHA has issued the first round of COVID-19 “general duty” citations. MIOSHA cited six different businesses with serious violations for failing to uphold safe and healthy practices, potentially putting workers in harm’s way.
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FEMA Approves Whitmer Administration’s Application for Federal Funding to Provide an Additional $300 Per Week to Unemployed Michiganders
Governor again calls on the president, Congress to work together on a longer-term recovery package to bolster unemployment benefits
August 21, 2020 - The United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) approved the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s application for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits.
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Governor Whitmer Provided an Update on State’s Response to COVID-19 on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
WATCH I PRESENTATION SLIDES
Governor Whitmer Announces $65 Million in CARES Act Funding for Michigan Schools
Funding will target districts most significantly impacted by COVID-19
August 19, 2020 - Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she will allocate nearly $65 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars to Michigan school districts, higher education institutions, and other education-related entities that have been most significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes schools in Michigan’s economically disadvantaged districts, and will help address the digital divide that has served as a barrier to remote learning for students and educators across the state. The funding comes from the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund.
READ MORE
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