MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urge Michiganders to get tested for COVID-19 upon returning from spring break in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Students and families traveling across Michigan, to other states or out of the country risk being exposed to and carrying COVID-19 with them, which could fuel outbreaks within their households and the communities where they live or visit, officials said.  

To make testing easier for travelers, the state is offering 37 pop-up sites located throughout Michigan as part of the special testing program. One of these will be at Marquette Senior High School, 1203 W. Fair Ave., from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“Brighter days are ahead with vaccinations being available to all Michiganders as of April 5, however, there are still critical efforts we must take to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a statement. “COVID-19 remains a threat to our families and communities, and we encourage Michiganders to get tested for COVID-19 and are making it easier through these additional testing pop-up sites throughout the state. As always, every Michigander has a personal responsibility to do their part by wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing to help us slow the spread of this virus.” 

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said people should get tested one to three days before traveling.

“Do not travel if you test positive,” she said in a statement. “Check travel restrictions before leaving, especially information about the spread of new variants of COVID-19 where you intend on visiting.” 

Michiganders should also continue to wear a mask over their nose and mouth in public settings, avoid crowds and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from anyone they did not travel with. It is also suggested that they carry hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol in case washing their hands with soap and water is not readily available. 

Additionally, it is recommended that those who travel get tested three to five days after their trip and stay home and self-quarantine during this time period. Anyone who doesn’t get tested should stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.    

 For more information on additional test sites, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirustest.

Vaccines expand in Marquette County

The Marquette County Health Department reminds people that COVID-19 vaccines will be open to all individuals age 16 and over beginning Monday.

The MCHD also stressed that unless individuals have symptoms, they don’t need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are exposed to a sick family member or friend.

As of Wednesday, 34.5% of all eligible populations in Michigan are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the MCHD said, and increasing vaccination rates and moving closer to herd immunity will improve the chances of removing the mask mandate.

Anyone interested in receiving a vaccine can register through the link provided at www.mqthealth.org or registering through Meijer, https://clinic.meijer.com; Snyder’s Drugs, https:///covidshotsnyders. com/; Walgreen’s, https://bit.ly/3dscxbo; and the Upper Great Lakes Health Centers, https://uglhealth.org/covid-19-resources/.

Eviction moratorium

extended

Attorney General Dana Nessel is alertingb Michigan tenants to an extension of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eviction moratorium through June 30. If qualified, tenants must fill out an eviction protection declaration form and provide it to their landlord.   

The CDC states that while the moratorium is in effect, tenants may be protected from eviction, late fees and utility shutoffs due to non-payment, according to the attorney general’s office. The moratorium is intended to delay costs for renters, reducing the impact of the pandemic on families in need. 

Tenants should be aware that back rent, along with other potential late charges, may be assessed by landlords once the moratorium is lifted.

“These are extraordinary times, and as the nation works through how to help those in need, it is a relief to know that the CDC continues to recognize the need to provide tenants a way to temporarily avoid eviction,” Nessel said in a statement. “If tenants cannot pay rent and are forced to move, many would relocate to close quarters or shared housing, including living with family members. Doing so could increase the risk of COVID-19 spread.” 

Anyone worried about being evicted, even with the moratorium in place, may contact one of these programs that may be able to offer assistance:

≤ CDC Eviction Moratorium — Renters who qualify for the eviction moratorium must fill out the CDC’s eviction protection declaration form and provide it to their landlord.    

≤ Housing and Urban Development — HUD has a list of housing counselors who can answer questions. Call 800-569-4287 for assistance.

≤ COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program hosted by the Michigan State Housing Development Agency — CERA provides rental and utility assistance for eligible renters.

More information on this program and how to apply can be found on its website.   

≤ Additional local resources for tenants can be found on the attorney general’s Landlord Tenant page. 

Consumer complaints can be filed online at the attorney general’s website or by calling 877-765-8388.

Nessel praises food

establishments

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Friday praised the over 40,000 Michigan food service establishments that have abided by state law and have adapted to the significant changes required in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as cases in the state surge.   

“Restaurants across Michigan have stepped up to protect their customers and adapt to new requirements in light of the pandemic, and they should be commended,” Nessel said in a statement. “As customers, we expect to frequent restaurants that abide by the law and work to ensure we do not get sick from their establishment. Whether a person is ordering takeout or dining in, they have a reasonable expectation to not become ill from that experience.”  

However, a lot of work needs to be done. According to recent figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan had the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita in the U.S. at 398.5 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days, with 39,801 total cases within the last seven days.

“Heroes are those who make sacrifices to save other people’s lives, not risk them,” Nessel said. “The individuals working hard to abide by state law in order to protect their employees and patrons are true heroes of the pandemic.”

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 250. Her email is cbleck@miningjournal.net.