All adults eligible to receive vaccine in Michigan next month

All Michigan residents ages 16 and up will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine beginning April 5, state officials announced this week. And beginning Monday, all those over the age of 50 will be made eligible to receive their shots. New state guidelines also make those 16 and up with disabilities or medical conditions eligible for a vaccine beginning next week.

More than 3 million doses have been administered statewide to date. And according to state officials, that puts Michigan on track to eventually vaccinate all residents ages 16 and older.

All residents are encouraged to register for appointments with multiple providers. Health care officials will still be encouraged to prioritize vaccines to patients with the highest risk, including older residents and essential workers. Vaccinations are currently underway for residents age 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities and caregiver family members and guardians.

Outside of Michigan, President Joe Biden has issued a directive that all adults should be eligible to receive a vaccine by May 1. Despite the local jumpstart, state officials expect it may still take several weeks beyond April 5 for everyone who wants a vaccine to receive an appointment.

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Those eligible for a vaccine may now connect with the Ingham Community Health Centers to be vaccinated, regardless of whether they are established patients. Interested patients should call one of three locations: Forest Community Health Center at 517-887-4302; Birch Community Health Center at 517-244-8030; or New Hope Community Health Center at 517-887-4400.
At least 47 cases of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant, which originated in the United Kingdom, have been detected among “several school sports teams” at Grand Ledge Public Schools.

Those cases reportedly include at least 29 middle and high school students, coaches and staff, as well as their close contacts. Officials fear the spread could be more severe because the B.1.1.7 variant is reported to be much more contagious than other forms of the coronavirus.

The Lansing State Journal reports that a separate, unknown number of cases have also been tied to Okemos Public Schools students that recently increased their in-person learning hours.

A St. Patricks Day order from East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens limits all outdoor gatherings to no more than 15 people and prohibits outdoor lines for entry into businesses, bars and restaurants from today through 2 a.m. Thursday. The idea: Temporarily limit the ability for St. Patrick’s Day parties to spin out of control within the city.

“With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in mind, we want to be able to break up areas where there are large congregations of people,” Stephens explained in a press release.

Masks are still required across much of East Lansing. Violations can result in fines of up to $25.

Any licensed establishment that violates the statewide 11 p.m. curfew also risks suspension or revocation of its liquor and business licenses. State law also requires adherence to local law. Report violations to the East Lansing Police Department by calling 517-251-4220, option 2.

State and local leaders lauded the passage of the American Rescue Plan which is designed, in part, to make health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace more affordable and accessible for Michiganders struggling with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1.9 trillion plan also provides $5.9 billion for Michigan, of which the city of Lansing is expected to collect about $50 million. Added Mayor Andy Schor: “These dollars are critical to be able to continue to provide Lansing residents with the City services that they expect.”