Michigan continues to make progress in its fight against COVID-19 according to key data metrics. In light of the progress, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued updated COVID-19 orders that took effect March 5th and will remain in place through Monday, April 19, 2021. The updated orders are steps along the path of ‘‘re-opening,” i.e. increasing capacity limits at restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, retail stores, gyms and more. Indoor residential gatherings of up to 15 people from three households are now allowed as well as outdoor residential gatherings of up to 50 people. The orders also permit nursing homes to resume dining and group activities for residents. Local and national public health officials continue to stress the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and following other public health measures.
Also this week, Governor Whitmer opened COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to people 50 and older with pre-existing health conditions or disability beginning March 8th. Family caregivers, including those who care for children with special health care needs may receive the vaccine beginning Monday. On March 22, 2021, all Michigan residents age 50 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.You can find additional information on the State’s website.
This Weekend Reading Series begins with the In the Mitten, with an infographic of capacity limits for various venues and information on the updated vaccine eligibility criteria. Next, check out the COVID Corner for articles on what is meant by vaccine efficacy and the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Do not miss Raise a Glass with articles on alcohol use during the pandemic and health implications. Last but not least, check out Challenge, Chocolate, Color, & Caper! In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th and March’s designation as Women’s History Month, be sure to read the story of Rose Schneiderman, who challenged the status quo on multiple fronts!
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. In the Mitten
- State of MI: March 5, 2021 Order Infographic: COVID Gathering Guidelines
- Bridge MI: Michiganders 50 or older with underlying conditions next up for COVID vaccine
2. COVID Corner
- NPR: Got Questions About Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine? We Have Answers
- New York Times: What Do Vaccine Efficacy Numbers Actually Mean?
3. Raise a Glass
- New York Times: Should Your Cocktail Carry a Cancer Warning?
- NPR: Michigan doctors see signs of rising alcoholic liver disease during the pandemic
- LA Times: As alcohol abuse rises amid pandemic, hospitals see a wave of deadly liver disease
- NPR: As Addiction Deaths Surge, Profit-Driven Rehab Industry Faces ‘Severe Ethical Crisis’
4. Challenge, Chocolate, Color & Caper
- ‘Choose to Challenge’ – Turning Point Suffragist Memorial: Rose Schneiderman (April 6, 1882 – August 11, 1972)
- New York Times: Reese’s New Peanut Butter Cup Is (Almost) All Peanut Butter
- INVERSE: When a Worm Avoids Blue — It’s a Breakthrough
- Smithsonian Magazine: The Great Canadian Polio Vaccine Heist of 1959
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
