Hate To Say It But Michigan COVID-19 Rate Is Surging: Statement From Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

 

Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

I hate to say it folks, but currently the COVID-19 rate is surging in Michigan. In fact, Michigan has the highest rate of COVID-19 in the nation. While many states are showing a decrease in the number of COVID 19 cases, the same cannot be said for Michigan. On Wednesday, the state's seven day average for daily cases was 2,073...the highest since the middle of January. Why we are having what appears to be a significant surge of COVID-19 here in Michigan I really don't know, but the truth is that there is a surge.

On Thursday Congresswoman Debbie Dingell addressed this rise in COVID 19 cases in the state in a post. Read her statement below:

"Day 367. Michigan needs to pay attention. Our numbers are not going in the right direction. On Wednesday, the state reported 3,164 new confirmed cases of the virus, bringing the seven-day average of new daily cases to 2,073, the highest seven-day average since Jan. 18. The total number of COVID-19 outbreaks statewide rose this week by 9% over last week to 645. The biggest proportion of outbreaks are tied to the K-12 school settings. A couple of schools in my district have had to close for quarantines for a week or two. And hospitalizations are up. We know we have different strains of COVID in the state. There are more than 725 known cases of the very contagious B.1.1.7 variant in the state and we account for 15% of the known cases of that strain in the U.S. We have had one identified case of the South Africa variant. We need to be aware. We could be headed for a dangerous surge and none of us wants that. We all need to keep following the guidelines. We need to get vaccinated and if we are vaccinated still use a great deal of common sense which includes wearing mask and keeping our distances."

Spring Is Just Around The Corner: Register For Ypsi Arbor Little League!

By Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Folks, it may not feel like it right now, but spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means, right?. It means baseball, of course!! Yes, it is time to dig out those bats, balls, and gloves! This is the time to register your ballplayer for Ypsi Arbor Little League, and start breaking in those mitts!

Founded in 1953, Ypsi Arbor Little League has been around for decades, and is the oldest little league in the state of Michigan. Further, they are the first Little League in America to include a female player, Carolyn King! Not too shabby.

Games are played from early May through late June. There is t-ball, coach pitch, minors, majors, and junior teams. Games are played at Recreation Park and Candy Cane Park in Ypsilanti.

Players at every skill level are invited to join and scholarships are available for families that qualify. All players and coaches will be required to wear masks and social distancing will be practiced. Registration is currently open for all age groups.

Shake off those winter blues and register for Ypsi Arbor Little League today! You'll be glad you did.

Registration information can be found on their website.

Ann Arbor Parents Rally for Safe Return to Voluntary In-Person School Saturday In Downtown Ann Arbor.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Approximately 100 parents and health professionals braved frigid temperatures to participate in a rally in downtown Ann Arbor Saturday afternoon calling for a safe return to voluntary in-person learning. Demonstrators called for a "Reasonable Return" to voluntary, hybrid in person schooling. Recently a petition was signed by over 600 community members reportedly following the opinion of 130 local physicians and pediatric providers. According to a statement from protest organizers, "Health experts agree that schools can reopen and remain open safely, without driving COVID transmission."

Demonstrators carried signs saying, 'Set a Date Families Need A Choice', 'Children Before Unions' and 'Kids Need Classrooms.' The demonstration began with protesters chanting 'Communicate Set A Date' and 'Whitmer Says Open Schools/Doctors Say Open Schools.' Many of the parent protesters brought their school age children to participate in the protest which began at noon. 

The debate as to whether or not schools should return to in person learning has been contentious in the Ann Arbor area. What is for certain is that all members of the Ann Arbor school community are deeply divided on the issue.

Governor Whitmer State of The State Address Tonight.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Governor Whitmer will be delivering her State of the State address Wednesday night January 27. This will be her third State of State address. The address is going to be virtual. 

The address is scheduled to begin at 7 PM and will be live streamed.

The governor is expected to talk about her COVID-19 recovery plan and a new job initiative. The plan would have to be approved by the Republican controlled legislature.

From The State Emergency Operations Center: 21 Shipments of COVID-19 Vaccine Impacted Due to Temperature Issues During Shipment.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown. 

According to the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been notified by McKesson that several shipments of Moderna vaccine shipped on Sunday, Jan. 17, had their temperature reported as going out of range and getting too cold. The cause of this is under investigation by McKesson.

According to Tuesday's press release, each vaccine shipment is equipped with a temperature monitoring device used to monitor the vaccine temperature while in transport. According to the statement, McKesson is working quickly to repack additional vaccine to ship out as replacement doses for those that may be compromised and the majority of the 21 shipments were resent on Monday night with the rest being sent Tuesday. An additional six shipments were held back to check that there were no issues with the vaccine which may delay scheduled vaccinations at those six vaccine provider sites.

According to chief medical executive and chief deputy for health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, “We are committed to accelerating vaccine delivery as we work to reach our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 as quickly as possible with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. “Although it is unfortunate that this vaccine will not be able to be used, we are pleased that the safeguards put into place to ensure the integrity of the vaccine worked. This is the first report of vaccine potentially being compromised during shipment in Michigan and we are working quickly with the distributor to have replacement vaccine shipped out.” This according to the press release from the Michigan State Police.