A NOTE FROM THE HEALTH OFFICER This week we celebrate National Public Health Week, an annual week to recognize the importance of public health. I would like to thank all the public health professionals doing the hard work to keep our communities safe amidst the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes. We are Read More…
To ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Grand Traverse County Health Department is mobilizing satellite vaccine clinics throughout the county in the coming weeks and months. The first satellite clinic is scheduled at Fife Lake Township Office (134 Morgan St. Fife Lake,MI 49633) on Friday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read More…
CURRENT NUMBERS and TRENDS Even with vaccinations being administered at a rapid rate in Grand Traverse County, cases continue to rise in the county and region. As of March 26th, the 7-day average of new cases was up to 36 per day, which continues to increase weekly. To see direct data, visit our dashboard. Some Read More…
Through routine surveillance performed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories, two cases of the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 were identified in Grand Traverse County residents. Initial and follow-up case investigations and contact tracing have been completed for these cases and their contacts. A 14-day quarantine – without the option Read More…
SPRING BREAK EDITION Even with vaccinations being administered, cases continue to rise in the county and region. As of March 26th, the 7-day average of new cases was up to 32 per day. The numbers being reported to the Grand Traverse County Health Department are reflective of last November’s case rates just prior to the Read More…
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. Read More…
COVID-19 VACCINE SCHEDULING UPDATE On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Grand Traverse County Commissioners approved the use of COVID-19 response state funding to enhance scheduling software for those signing up for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the county. It will add improved efficiency and security to the scheduling process. The software allows for anyone, whether they Read More…
Today, Grand Traverse County Health Department partnered with United Way of Northwest Michigan, Disability Network Northern Michigan, Community Mental Health, and others to administer some of the first Johnson & Johnson vaccines to those with barriers that may prevent them from attending other clinics. These individuals have many barriers such as visual, physical, hearing impairment, Read More…
VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY EXPANDED TO ALL PHASE 1A & 1B IN GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY As of Thursday, March 4, 2021, Grand Traverse County opened up eligibility and is encouraging additional frontline essential workers in Phase 1B, Group C (as defined below) to register and schedule to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Frontline essential workers include: Food and Read More…
Effective immediately, the Grand Traverse County Health Department is now opening up eligibility and encouraging additional frontline essential workers in Phase 1B, Group C (as defined below) to register and schedule to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, and in conjunction with the State of Michigan, those age 50 and older with medical conditions and disabilities Read More…
Beginning March 1, food and agriculture workers became eligible to register and receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the State of Michigan. With the announcement, the Grand Traverse County Health Department will allow those that meet the definition (below) to register and schedule for thevaccine effective immediately. Food and agriculture workers are defined by the State Read More…
Updates From The Health Department SCHEDULING To place the Grand Traverse County Health Department in the best position to adapt to future changes in state guidelines and achieve their vaccination goals throughout the rest of the pandemic, we are working to implement many changes over the following weeks which will include an improved registration and Read More…
Updates From The Health Department Vaccine Eligibility Michigan is currently vaccinating individuals who are: PHASE 1A: EMS, medical first responders, healthcare workers and residents in long-term care and congregate care facilities. PHASE 1B Group A and B only: Persons age 65 and older (over 19,000 people in Grand Traverse County) Some frontline essential workers including: Read More…
Updates From The Health Department Vaccine Eligibility Michigan is currently vaccinating individuals who are: PHASE 1A: EMS, medical first responders, healthcare workers and residents in long-term care and congregate care facilities. PHASE 1B Group A and B only: Persons age 65 and older (over 19,000 people in Grand Traverse County) Some frontline essential workers including: Read More…
UPDATES FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT Vaccine On Monday, January 18, 2021, in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College, the Grand Traverse County Health Department launched a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at NMC’s Hagerty Conference Center. Prior to this week, the GTCHD, was able to administer 3434 doses of vaccine. For the week of January 25-30, the Grand Read More…
Good afternoon, There is significant confusion surrounding the scheduling of COVID-19 vaccinations and we are requesting that local media and partners of Grand Traverse County disseminate the following message to your respective audiences. We had an estimated 23,000 people identified themselves as eligible for Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccination during the preparation period leading up to Read More…
UPDATES FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT Vaccine On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that those tasked with the responsibility to administer the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the state, MAY move forward into Phase 1B of the tiered vaccination plan. While we are excited to be granted Read More…
The Grand Traverse County Health Department continues to vaccinate individuals in Phase 1A of the priority group endorsed by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, we have vaccinated individuals including GTCHD staff, EMS, Medical First Responders, and are currently vaccinating all Healthcare workers. As we Read More…
UPDATES FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT Vaccine This week, select hospitals and health departments across the state received their first shipments of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Grand Traverse County Health Department is following the priority phased approach endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Read More…
UPDATES FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT Vaccine Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shared a website about the COVID vaccine and released frequently asked questions about the COVID vaccine. Michigan is expecting to receive vaccine by mid-December and distribute the vaccine according to a phased approach endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control Read More…