Briefing - March 25, 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.

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UPDATE FROM WESTERN U.P. HEALTH DEPARTMENT

UPDATED NUMBERS FOR MARCH 25

The previous update was Monday, March 22. All numbers below are in comparison to that update.

TOTAL: 43 more positives, 9 more probable positives, 35 more recoveries and 21.00% fully vaccinated (up from 19.60% -- meaning 770 more people)
BARAGA COUNTY: 5 more positives, 4 more probable positives, 1 more death and 22.21% fully vaccinated (up from 21.03%)
GOGEBIC COUNTY: 6 more positives, 1 more probable positive, 7 more recoveries and 22.52% fully vaccinated (up from 18.83%)
HOUGHTON COUNTY: 27 more positives, 4 more probable positives, 22 more recoveries and 18.76% fully vaccinated (up from 18.21%)
KEWEENAW COUNTY: 2 more positives, 2 more recoveries and 25.14% fully vaccinated (up from 22.82%)
ONTONAGON COUNTY: 3 more positives and 27.42% fully vaccinated (up from 26.50%)

Note: The full numbers above have a slight change from previous numbers. The vaccine subgroup report has been expanded from over 64 to now include those over 49 to reflect the ages that the state of Michigan is targeting.

UPDATE FROM FEMA

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
Funeral expense documents(receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov.

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