Briefing - April 5, 2021 | Copper Country Strong

In collaboration with the Western U.P. Health Department and Emergency Operation Centers in Baraga County, Gogebic County, Houghton County, Keweenaw County and Ontonagon County, Copper Country Strong Briefs will be shared regularly through the duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Currently, they are released on Mondays and Thursdays.

You can receive an email alert when a new briefing is posted. Subscribe here.

VACCINE UPDATES

Walmart in Ironwood and Houghton are now accepting accepting appointments though their online tool. Do not call the pharmacy. They have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Schedule appointment here, https://www.walmart.com/cp/flu-shots-immunizations/1228302.

Anyone over the age of 16 is now eligible to receive a vaccine. You can find a full list of places to find the vaccine in the Western U.P. at coppercountrystrong.com/vaccine.

Pop-up Testing Event Scheduled for Saturday

There will be a free pop-up rapid drive-through testing event on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Houghton High School. This is open to anyone. Attendees are asked to drive into first entrance near the football field. Signs will be posted. Please pre-register by going here, http://honumg.info/HoughtonHS.

Attendees may register at the testing site as well, watch for signs for on-site registration. For the test, you will remain in your vehicle. Once the rapid test has been completed, you will receive results via phone, email or text within approximately 15 minutes. Negative Test: Nothing further is necessary. Positive Test: Come back to the testing site for a Comprehensive COVID-19 Test (48 -72 hours for results). If unable to come back to testing site, please follow up with another testing provider. Contact Loret Roberts at (906) 231-3813 with questions.

This is being coordinated by the Copper Country Intermediate School District and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

UPDATE FROM WESTERN U.P. HEALTH DEPARTMENT

UPDATED NUMBERS FOR APRIL 5

The previous update was Thursday, April 1. All numbers below are in comparison to that update.

TOTAL: 13 more positives, 5 more probable positives, 41 more recoveries, 0 deaths and 23.98% fully vaccinated (up from 22.80% -- meaning 557 more people)
BARAGA COUNTY: 3 more recoveries and 23.03% fully vaccinated (up from 22.68%)
GOGEBIC COUNTY: 2 more positives, 4 more recoveries, and 26.20% fully vaccinated (up from 24.66%)
HOUGHTON COUNTY: 11 more positives, 5 more probable positives, 17 more recoveries, and 21.65% fully vaccinated (up from 20.58%)
KEWEENAW COUNTY: 1 more recovery and 28.45% fully vaccinated (up from 27.35%)
ONTONAGON COUNTY: 6 more recoveries and 30.66% fully vaccinated (up from 30.32%)

COVID-19 Variant B.1.1.7 Identified in Houghton County

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) that the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories identified the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in five Houghton County cases.

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant is thought to have emerged in the United Kingdom and has since been detected in many countries and states. Compared to the original virus, the B.1.1.7 variant is approximately 50 percent more transmissible, leading to faster spread and potentially increasing the numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

“When a variant is identified or suspected, additional measures take place, such as a strict 14-day quarantine,” said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. “A new variant in our community is concerning since it can be related to higher transmission rates. Residents across the jurisdiction are reminded to continue practicing mitigation strategies including mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and getting a vaccine as soon as it is available to you. These actions help slow the spread of the virus.”

With the high transmission rate of the B.1.1.7 variant, vaccination is more important that ever. Vaccination is currently open to anyone 16 and older. Vaccinations can be scheduled with local providers by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting coppercountrystrong.com/vaccine.

For more information, visit wuphd.org or michigan.gov/coronavirus.

If you have an update you would like included in this daily brief, please contact the appropriate county or the health department. Contact information can be found at coppercountrystrong.com/contact.

An archive of updates can be found at coppercountrystrong.com. The community is invited to view that site and subscribe for email alerts when a new brief is posted. Links will also be shared on the Copper Country Strong Facebook and Twitter pages.