INSIDER
Michigan’s race to get everyone vaccinated leaves some senior citizens behind
Read full article: Michigan’s race to get everyone vaccinated leaves some senior citizens behindHer health department, Wayne County, has said to not call for a vaccine, but to call your health provider. Nearly 2,000 Pfizer first doses were delivered to Wayne County, along with 3,900 Moderna first doses. Wayne County health workers started distributing the vaccine at the Wayne County Community College Campus in Taylor. “It didn’t even hurt.”Local 4 camera crews tried to find senior citizens at the campus getting vaccinated and were unable to find any. Why are 200,000 Wayne County seniors being left out?
Wayne County health officials confirm 4 COVID variant cases, investigate 4 potential cases
Read full article: Wayne County health officials confirm 4 COVID variant cases, investigate 4 potential casesDETROIT – Wayne County health officials are investigating four confirmed cases of the COVID variant, as well as four potential cases. Officials said the four people suspected of being infected with the new B.1.1.7 variant have tested positive for COVID-19 and being retested for the variant. Officials said those four people were in close contact with the four individuals who are already confirmed to be infected with the variant. The four confirmed cases are from two 35-year-olds, a 41-year-old and a 42-year-old. “As we administer our vaccine, it is important for people to mask up, wash their hands frequently, and avoid large groups,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, chief health strategist for Wayne County.
Vaccine shortage slows Michigan’s effort to end pandemic
Read full article: Vaccine shortage slows Michigan’s effort to end pandemic(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)LANSING, Mich. – If Michigan could administer 50,000 coronavirus vaccine doses a day, it could hit its goal of inoculating 70% of people age 16 and older by August. The other COVID-19 vaccine, from Moderna, is going to residents and staff in long-term care facilities through a federal program. “Everyone who wants a vaccine is going to get one,” she said. Hospitals and local health departments, which are administering vaccines, say the process is going more smoothly, but demand far outpaces supply. “The biggest issue right now is getting more vaccine into our state,” said Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president of public affairs and communications for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
Wayne County shifts to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine amid Pfizer supply shortage
Read full article: Wayne County shifts to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine amid Pfizer supply shortageDETROIT – Since first rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December, Wayne County has vaccinated 6,500 people in phases 1A and 1B, which includes health care workers and seniors 65 years of age and older. However, there are still 40,000 to vaccinate, including 20,000 teachers and 5,000 law enforcement personnel. READ: Vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases“We’re still at the very beginning stages because of just the sheer volume of people that require that vaccine,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Wayne County chief health strategist. It also depends on if they can get the doses they need from the state, which so far has been difficult. Right now, if I order 5,000 (doses) this week, I wouldn’t know until early next week if I’m getting the full 5,000 or if I’m getting 1,000 only.
Wayne County health department transitioning to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for first-dose recipients
Read full article: Wayne County health department transitioning to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for first-dose recipientsState officials informed the county Friday that the Wayne County Public Health Department no longer would receive the Pfizer vaccine to administer for first doses. DETAILS: COVID-19 vaccinations rescheduled by Wayne County Public Health Division due to supply shortageState officials informed the county Friday that the Wayne County Public Health Department no longer would receive the Pfizer vaccine to administer for first doses. According to the county, the Moderna vaccine is just as effective as the Pfizer vaccine but must be handled differently. Public health officials are adding a new indoor vaccination site at Schoolcraft College where the Moderna vaccine will be administered. Seniors over 65 or older should schedule a vaccine through their health system, not the county health department.
Wayne County develops COVID-19 data system to share with its communities, school districts
Read full article: Wayne County develops COVID-19 data system to share with its communities, school districtsDETROIT – In cooperation with Wayne Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESA), Wayne County officials said they have developed a metric system with three key data points to put COVID-19 numbers in context. We’re looking at numbers of cases, the trend rate in communities and positivity rate,” said Wayne County Director of Communications Bill Nowling. Currently, the risk assessment is at the highest level across most of Wayne County. School districts and communities are given the risk assessment in two-week increments but are weekly briefed. View more: Wayne County news
Wayne and Oakland counties work to ramp up COVID testing
Read full article: Wayne and Oakland counties work to ramp up COVID testingWAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – As coronavirus cases continue to rise, county officials are expanding drive-up testing in Metro Detroit to give residents more access to free testing sites. Testing is expanding as coronavirus cases continue to surge and more people ignore health officials with the holiday season underway. Health officials urging people to get tested. And the testing is available to everyone, regardless of health insurance. Wayne County also has two mobile units that will be sent to different communities to help those who might not have access to transportation or have a permanent address.
Wayne County advises its schools to switch to remote learning through Jan. 15
Read full article: Wayne County advises its schools to switch to remote learning through Jan. 15DETROIT – The Wayne County Public Health Division has issued an advisory, strongly recommending that all public, non-public and boarding schools in the county’s jurisdiction should shift to remote learning through Jan. 15, 2021. “We have reached a point in the pandemic that we hoped the County would never see,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Wayne County includes many tightly knit communities and we cherish our time together with our families. The recommendation addresses “an age group that can spread COVID-19 without showing signs or symptoms,” officials said. “We are working extremely closely with our school districts to prevent further spread,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Wayne County chief health strategist.