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 Daily Briefs will be shared each weekday through the duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

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Updates from Western U.P. Health Department

• Due to a decline in call volume, WUPHD will be ceasing operation of their COVID-19 call center at close of business on Friday, May 15, 2020.
  
  According to Kate Beer, WUPHD Health Officer, the current need for this type of service has waned, but it could be offered again in the future.  “The volume of calls has decreased and we believe we can manage those inquiries in ways other than through the call center. If there are significant local developments related to COVID-19, we can reactivate this resource for the community immediately.”  
  
  The call center was established on March 16, 2020, under the health department’s emergency response plan, to address COVID-19 related questions from Western UP residents.  In the two months of operation, the call center has answered more than 700 calls on a wide variety of topics. 
  
  “The call center has been a great way for residents to access the most current information about COVID-19, testing, and the state closure orders,” said Beer.  The health department will continue to provide information and updates about the ongoing pandemic and local developments through the agency’s website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.  
  
  The State of Michigan continues to operate a COVID-19 call center 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST seven days per week, and residents are encouraged to utilize this resource for additional information.   The Michigan COVID-19 Hotline number is 888-535-6136.    Complaints and concerns related current and future executive orders should be directed to 517-335-7858.  
  
  Information regarding what we know about COVID-19 continues to rapidly change and emerge.  For the most up to date information, please visit cdc.gov or Michigan.gov/coronavirus.  

Updates from Gogebic County

• Ontonagon County emergency officials distributed a large shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Search and Rescue, GCSD, Medical Care, Mental Health, Westgate, Keen Agers, Forestry, Watersmeet, and the MSP.

Updates from Ontonagon County

• Michigan National Guard delivered another shipment of PPE (N95 masks, face shields, sanitary wipes) received from Region 8 Healthcare Coalition to Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and Sonco Ambulance. Guardsmen continue to make daily deliveries of PPE to medical facilities throughout the Western U.P.
• As part of a State wide effort to test facilities for COVID-19, the Michigan National Guard tested 18 Inmates/Staff at the Ontonagon County Sheriff Department for COVID-19. Completed tests were picked up by MSP personnel, transported to the Civil Air Patrol in Marquette and then flown to Lansing for processing. Test results should be received within a week. 

Updates from UPHS - Portage

•  UP Health System - Portage is pleased to announce that we are beginning to resume some time-sensitive, non-urgent surgeries, and procedures that were previously rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with federal and state guidance.
  
  Your health is important, and our goal is to get back to providing the care you need in a way that continues to support our COVID-19 response and supply conservation efforts – all while putting your mind at ease that it is safe to seek care at our facility. No matter what, you can expect to receive the same high-quality care from our heroes on the frontlines. Learn how we are providing the services you need while ensuring a safe place of care for everyone at https://www.portagehealth.org/news/maintaining-your-health-ensuring-your-safety

News Beat

• Most Of The Western U.P. COVID-19 Patients Have Recovered, via Keweenaw Report
• UP Health System to resume time-sensitive, non-urgent surgeries and procedures, via CBS 3
• Canal View-Houghton residents get parade, via Daily Mining Gazette
• Aspirus staff awed by flyover, via Daily Globe
• Locals work against harmful impacts of social isolation, via Daily Mining Gazette
• Western U.P. Health Department to close COVID-19 call center Friday, via TV6
• COVID-19 recoveries reported as testing exceeds 1000 residents, via Daily Mining Gazette
• Facemasks are a sometimes necessity, via Daily Mining Gazette
• Western Upper Peninsula Health Department announces recoveries as testing exceeds 1,000 residents, via CBS 3
• Aspirus, broadcasters urge residents ‘Don’t delay, seek care today’, via Daily Mining Gazette

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.