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.
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UPDATE FROM WESTERN U.P. HEALTH DEPARTMENT
UPDATED NUMBERS FOR JANUARY 7
The previous update was Monday, January 4. All numbers below are in comparison to that update.
- TOTAL: 101 more positives, 49 more probable positives, 116 more recoveries and 2 deaths
- BARAGA COUNTY: 4 more positives, 2 fewer probable positives and 13 more recoveries and 1 death
- GOGEBIC COUNTY: 13 more positives, 6 more probable positives and 36 more recoveries
- HOUGHTON COUNTY: 77 more positives, 40 more probable positives, 64 more recoveries and 1 death
- KEWEENAW COUNTY: 6 more positives, 1 more probable positive and 2 more recoveries
- ONTONAGON COUNTY: 1 more positive and 2 more recoveries
1B COVID Vaccinations Start at Baraga County Memorial Hospital
The following is a press release from Baraga County Memorial Hospital
In accordance with Western U.P. Health Department guidelines, Baraga County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) will be offering the COVID-19 Vaccine to those 65 years of age and older as well as qualifying essential frontline workers starting Thursday, January 14.
If you are interested in making an appointment to get the vaccine, please call our COVID Vaccine Hotline at (906) 524-3471. The Hotline will prompt you to leave a message with your name, phone number, birthdate, and place of employment. These questions will help us to verify your eligibility, as well as keeping the process as efficient as possible. Our scheduling coordinators will return your call to schedule your appointment.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be given in a series of two vaccines, 21 days apart. Your second appointment will be made at the time of your first appointment. You will be given a card with the date and time of your second appointment and it will be your responsibility to keep track of your next appointment.
At this time, our vaccine supply is limited, and we are working diligently to increase our supply. For this reason, you may not be able to make an appointment once the available slots and doses have been filled. Because of this, it is imperative that those who have an appointment attend your scheduled appointment so a dose is not wasted.
When coming for your appointment, please bring your medical insurance card. Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross have provided us the guidance for billing for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. There will be no charge to the patient. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Western Upper Peninsula Continues to Vaccinate Phase 1A; Planning for Phase 1B
The following is a January 6 press release from the local health department
Healthcare partners across the Western Upper Peninsula are working together to push forward with making COVID-19 vaccinations available to residents. To date, well over 1,000 individuals have been vaccinated in the 5-county area. Phase 1A vaccinations should be completed by the middle of next week.
As announced earlier today by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the state is moving to a new phase of vaccination on Monday, January 11. This next phase, known as Phase 1B, will include residents age 65 and older; frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff; and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers.
Local partners including Aspirus, UP Health Systems-Portage, Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center, and Baraga County Memorial Hospital met today to expand planning to accommodate those eligible for Phase 1B vaccination. The planning group is working towards offering a variety of options and venues for residents, with the end goal of providing doses to everyone wishing to be vaccinated.
Vaccine supply remains limited and vaccine clinics will be by invite or appointment only. No walk-in vaccination clinics will be held at this time. Additional details, including how to schedule a vaccination with the various providers, will be made available soon.
“Changing guidance and limited vaccine allocations have added to the complexity of the planning process”, said Kate Beer, Health Officer for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. “We appreciate your patience as we develop our plan to meet the needs of our community.”
For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.wuphd.org, michigan.gov/coronavirus, or cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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