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 MARCH 15

The previous update was Thursday, March 11. All numbers below are in comparison to that update. 

• TOTAL: 21 more positives, 6 more probable positives, 57 more recoveries and 18.10% fully vaccinated (up from 17.40% -- meaning 372 more people)
• BARAGA COUNTY:  2 more positives, 1 more probable positive, 2 more recoveries and 19.67% fully vaccinated (up from 19.01%)
• GOGEBIC COUNTY: 3 more positives, 1 more probable positive, 14 more recoveries and 17.20% fully vaccinated (up from 16.72%)
• HOUGHTON COUNTY: 11 more positives, 3 more probable positives, 36 more recoveries and 16.55% fully vaccinated (up from 15.74%)
• KEWEENAW COUNTY: 1 more positive, 1 more probable positive, 5 more recoveries and 21.05% fully vaccinated (up from 19.61%)
• ONTONAGON COUNTY: 4 more positives, 1 death and 26.08% fully vaccinated (up from 25.94%)

COVID-19 Eligibility Expanded as Vaccine Supply Stabilizes

Providers across the western Upper Peninsula are expanding the number of groups eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The expansion is made possible by a more stable and slightly increased weekly vaccine supply to the area.

“We are currently vaccinating people age 65 and older, those age 50 and older with underlying health conditions, and caregivers of children with special health care needs” said Kate Beer, Health Officer for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD). “Providers across the district are seeing their waitlists shrink. We are hopeful that we will be able follow the state plan and begin vaccinating people age 50 and over beginning March 22 and those age 16 to 49 by April 5.”

WUPHD has piloted a plan to provide mobile vaccinations to those who have difficulty obtaining transportation or are homebound across the five-county district. The Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine will be used for this purpose. The project is expected to take several weeks, with any remaining doses being released to the public only after its completion. Additional doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are not expected until late April.

Residents can visit coppercountrystrong.com/vaccine to locate a provider in their area. Those without computer access should call 211 or their healthcare provider for assistance in scheduling an appointment. 

For more information on COVID-19 please visit wuphd.org, michigan.gov/coronavirus, or cdc.gov/coronavirus.

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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. 

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