Credit Spectrum Health
Not all COVID-19 vaccine programs in Michigan were designed with people with disabilities in mind, says Jim Moore, the executive director of Disability Network Northern Michigan.
But his group is working with local health departments to make vaccines more easily accessible for people with disabilities. Moore says it’s a process that will help everyone.
“Some of the things that we do for people with disabilities, people in general would appreciate as well,” he says. “It’s a stressful situation at times for anyone.”
Many of the changes he’s suggesting are simple, he says, like spelling out the process of getting vaccinated on a website so people can know what to expect before their appointment, or letting people fill out paperwork in advance.
9 & 10 News
April 28, 2021
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan says that as of Wednesday, more than 49,662 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered to people aged sixteen and older, representing 55.3% of the department’s four county jurisdiction.
The department says the number of people 65 and older between all four counties that have received one dose of the vaccine currently exceeds 77%.
“This is wonderful news, and we are making great strides toward the goal of vaccinating 70% of our total population 16 and older,” said Health Officer Lisa Peacock. “At the health department, we are trying to remove any barriers to anyone who wants to get vaccinated by allowing people to self-schedule or walk into clinics.”
CDC updates face mask guidance, health department continues to urge caution
Jillian Fellows
Petoskey News-Review
On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on wearing face masks outdoors for those who have been fully vaccinated.
The CDC has advised that fully vaccinated people can now forgo face masks at small outdoor gatherings or when dining outside. However, when at large outdoor gatherings, such as concerts or sporting events, face masks are still recommended.
In an Associated Press report, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday’s decision was driven by rising vaccination numbers; declines in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths; and research showing that less than 10 percent of documented instances of transmission of the virus happened outdoors.
That may mean that mass vaccination clinics and drive-throughs will soon fade, giving way to pop-up clinics at neighborhood centers, high schools, churches and mosques, or being offered a vaccine at a doctor’s office during a routine visit.
“We ve kind of hit all those people who wanted it, who were fighting to get their vaccines, who were jumping in front of everyone else,” said Sarah Oleniczak, deputy health officer at District Health Department, which covers 10 central Michigan counties. “Now we can take a breath and we can go off-site.”
Getting Michigan to herd immunity by having at least 70 percent of its population vaccinated or otherwise immune won’t be easy. Few thought it would be. The strategy now shifts to a more arduous ground game into the nooks and crannies of Michigan.
Steve Foley
Petoskey News-Review
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended its gatherings and mask epidemic order on Friday, including an expansion of mask requirements to children ages 2-4 to further protect Michigan residents.
According to the state health department, expanding the mask rule to children ages 2-4 requires a “good faith effort to ensure that these children wear masks while in gatherings at childcare facilities or camps.”
The masking rule for children takes effect April 26. It addresses the increase in cases among younger Michiganders and follows recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.