Most major health systems in Michigan are switching to optional masking protocols, more than three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Michigan appeals court is reinforcing the authority of local health officers to give orders.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to be extra careful around livestock after about a dozen probable cases of a parasitic illness.

Michigan’s top doctor says the state is confident it can still limit transmission of monkeypox, even as cases continue to grow daily.

The Livingston County Health Department announced Tuesday that the first probably monkeypox case has been identified.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends that Michiganders and visitors avoid foam on Michigan waterbodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

Here is a map showing the Southeastern Michigan hospital bed occupancy levels.

Here is a map showing the Southeastern Michigan hospital bed occupancy levels.

Michigan poison control officials have issued a warning about possible cases of fentanyl-laced marijuana in the state, labeling it as a potential “emerging public health threat.”

Parents are looking for where to get their younger kids a COVID-19 vaccine after the CDC gave its final green light for Pfizer adolescent doses in kids aged 5-11.

Michiganders who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose are urged to do so now.

While vaccines have been overwhelmingly successful at protecting people from contracting the virus, in rare cases, there have been documented illnesses and even deaths.

Michiganders who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose from Johnson & Johnson or Moderna are urged to do so now.

More than 300 Beaumont Health employees are now suspended after not getting the COVID vaccine by Monday’s deadline.

Drugmaker Merck asked U.S. regulators Monday to authorize its pill for treating COVID-19 in what would add an entirely new and easy-to-use weapon to the world’s arsenal against the pandemic.

If you qualify for that third dose of the Pfizer vaccine, your options of where to get it are abundant.

Michigan residents 18 and older and can locate their immunization records in the state’s medical record system through a new public portal.

Parents organizing in the Romeo School District in Macomb County said they are putting pressure on decision makers to mandate masks in schools.

Gardner-White and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host blood drives on Aug. 19 and 20 in Metro Detroit.

The TCF Center opens Tuesday for drive thru COVID booster shots for those with compromised immune systems.

Gardner-White and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host blood drives on Aug. 19 and 2 in Metro Detroit.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that everyone over the age of 2 wear masks in school even if they are vaccinated.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) has been a mysterious and frightening consequence of COVID-19 in children. A new study is shedding light on the potential longer term impacts of the syndrome.

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidance on masks last week, the dominoes are slowly falling in Michigan.

Tick season has arrived in Michigan - and that's not a good thing.

Officials said the tracker complements the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard and includes vaccinations of Michiganders received both in-state and out-of-state.

The state is easing some of the requirements -- especially for those who are outside and vaccinated.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Tuesday that masks will generally not be required at outdoor gatherings that has less than 100 people.

Annie VanGeest was known as a super mom and a proud wife of 13 years. She was a master multi-tasker and staunch animal rescue supporter in her community of Saranac in Ionia County. Her death, though, is making news for reasons other than just her good work in her community.

Many people look forward to the big day -- graduation. But things are going to be different this year, especially for the seniors in the Troy and Southfield public school districts.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending vaccine providers across the state to start using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine again to Michiganders 18 and older.

The CDC Advisory Panel voted to lift the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause and recommended its use in those over the age of 18.

Fifty-four percent of Detroiters age 65 and older have at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but the number is to 26% for Detroiters 30-64 and 10% between the age of 16 and 29.

Local 4 checked in with frontline workers now that vaccinations efforts are underway.

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer may not be getting the surge of vaccines she asked for from Washington D.C., the state will be ramping up a specific antibody treatment for those who are sick.

The Wayne County Public Health Department will be accepting COVID vaccine walk-ups for residents Wednesday, April 14, through Saturday, April 17.

Michigan State University said it will be opening a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for registered students beginning Friday.

The Wayne County Clerk’s CPL Division will temporarily close after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.

The COVID-19 variant detected in Brazil has been identified in Bay County. That variant is known as the P1 strain and it is more contagious and more than 50% able to reinfect.

Gretchen Whitmer released a statement Tuesday after White House officials announced that there will be an increase of COVID-19 vaccine doses available for Michigan starting next week. Officials said the allocation includes 147,800 doses of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This comes after Whitmer recently requested for more vaccines as the state is seeing a rise in COVID numbers. READ: CDC: Michigan leads country in new cases of COVID per populationMore than 4 million doses have been administered in the state. We know that the COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19.

WARREN, Mich. – Macomb County is ramping up its efforts to get more people vaccinated for COVID-19. It is the fourth county-affiliated COVID vaccination site in Macomb County. Other county sites include the mass vaccination site at the Verkuilen Building in Clinton Township, the Richmond-Lenox EMS drive-through site and the Sterling Heights Senior Center site. That site will lead you to the actual vaccine appointment site: macombcovidvaccine.itfrontdesk.com/apptonline. AdNOTE: On Monday morning (March 29), the site indicated appointments were unavailable at all four Macomb County vaccine locations.

DETROIT – Ford Field has vaccinated more than 13,000 people since opening Wednesday. The 13,000 vaccinated is below FEMA’s goal of 6,000 vaccinations per day, but Ford Field reported that more than 14,000 appointments were made on the first day and the vaccine rollout is expected to remain steady. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsAd“I found out about the program from Meijer last week,” said Crystal Lewis, who received her first dose. AdRelated: Dozens show up to Ford Field without appointments hoping to receive vaccineHere’s how to registerYou can click here to register online. READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

DETROIT – On Thursday, many no shows at the Ford Field mass vaccination site led to officials putting a call out that anyone who could get to the site by 6 p.m. would get vaccinated. Dozens of people showed up Friday hoping the same thing would happen. “I figured it’s worth a shot and if it doesn’t work out, no big deal,” said Rob Trexler. Related: No shows at Ford Field Thursday leaves COVID-19 vaccines available for walk-insTrexler and his wife drove from New Hudson to wait and see, but not everybody was as laid back as him. With rising COVID-19 cases, the Detroit Institute of Arts will remain closed to the public through April 2.

The St. Clair County Health Department is recommending businesses to allow remote working, if at all possible, in response to the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in the community. According to a press release, there have been 1,080 new cases since March 20, representing a 20.2% positivity rate. Social Distancing: Employees should maintain 6 feet physical distancing as work duties permit. Cohort Employees: Staff should work with a single cohort (group) if possible to limit potentialexposures. Send Sick Employees Home Immediately: Sick employees Sick employees should be tested for COVID-19 before returning and follow appropriate isolation or quarantine guidelines“Given the significant increase in cases, we must double down on our mitigation efforts”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, medical health officer of the St. Clair County Health Department.

DETROIT – The mass vaccination site set up at Ford Field by FEMA has the capacity to vaccinate up to 6,000 people a day. On Thursday, there were no shows, meaning there was an excess of vaccine doses. FEMA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services put out the word that if you could get to Ford Field by 6 p.m., they would vaccinate you -- no age restrictions applied. READ: ‘I want to live’ -- Ford Field vaccine recipients share reasons for getting COVID shotPeople hustled to get there and a line of several hundred formed quickly. “A friend got a text that they were doing COVID vaccines at Ford Field and I was just up the street, " said Michael Cunningham.

The appointments are available to residents in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Redford, Allen Park, Garden City and Melvindale.

DETROIT – Officials said Tuesday’s soft opening of the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at Ford Field was a success. With the site officially opening Wednesday, officials are getting ready for everybody, including those with disabilities or limited English. “We’ve been trying to be really thoughtful when it comes to language access, and people with disabilities making sure we have enough accessible vaccine pods for people with wheelchairs,” said Michigan Lt. Gov. Read: Ford Field COVID mass vaccination site prepared to open to thousandsAround 70 vaccination pods are set up and people who received the vaccine Tuesday said it was a very quick process. More: Registration for COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field now open -- How to registerRelated News

The Macomb County Health Department announced that it will extend its clinic hours at the Verkuilen Building in Clinton Township as well increase capacity. Additionally, the department will increase the number of doses given per hour by 25% -- going from 12,000 doses distributed each week to 17,500 doses. “With these increases and expansions, we will be able to serve a greater number of individuals in our county,” said Andrew Cox, director, Macomb County Health Department. Those who live or work in Macomb County will be able to choose a location to receive a vaccine through an online scheduler. “As eligibility opens up, Macomb County will continue to find innovative solutions for serving our population,” said County Executive Mark Hackel.

In an interview this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Michigan’s push to reopen may be moving too fast while offering advice and some praise for Gov. But I am telling them, just hold off for a bit.” Fauci told CNN’s Chris Cuomo Thursday night. Michigan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said that Michigan could be on the verge of another wave. And we could potentially be at the beginning of another surge in Michigan,” Khaldun said at Friday’s press conference. This week, Michigan reached the top of two dangerous lists -- the state led the country in COVID-19 infection rate and fell just behind Florida for the number of variant cases.

DETROIT – After a delay in allowing people to register for a COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field, health officials announced Monday afternoon that registration is now open. FEMA chose Ford Field in Detroit as one of 20 regional vaccination sites across the country. AdHow to register for a vaccineTo register for a vaccine at Ford Field, you can go online at clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021, or text EndCOVID to 75049. Residents who don’t have access to the internet or need assistance can use the MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline to register. Free parking will be available at the vaccination site.

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2020, file photo, Mitchell Bryant, left, and Darla Scott eat inside at the Buena Vista Cafe during the coronavirus outbreak in San Francisco. San Francisco is poised to allow indoor dining, movie theaters and gyms with reduced capacity as the rate of coronavirus cases and deaths improve, allowing more of California's economy throughout the state to open back up for business. It's unclear which activities might open when. Mayor London Breed is scheduled to provide an update at the tourist-friendly Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf Tuesday, March 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that the first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 has been identified in a child in Jackson County. This new variant was originally detected in South Africa in October 2020 and shares some mutations with the B117 variant. The first case of the B117 variant -- originally detected in the United Kingdom -- was identified in Washtenaw County. This case in Michigan is the only one identified at this time. It was first reported in the U.S. on Jan. 28 when it was identified in two people in South Carolina.

DETROIT – Monday, March 8, marked the first day COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expanding to Michiganders 50 years old and up with certain health conditions. There are now three vaccines available -- Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. AdIt’s the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that had the Duggan administration making a rare unforced error last week when the mayor turned down 6,200 doses because he wanted Detroiters to “get the best”. CDC: Fully vaccinated people can visit unvaccinated people without masks, social distancingThe White House COVID-19 response team provided an update on the pandemic on Monday afternoon. The guidance was very conservative but does provide a road map for those who are fully vaccinated to begin seeing other people.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office is looking into requests to investigate the state’s COVID-19 nursing home policies. Whitmer announces nursing home visitation to resume in MichiganOnly eight representatives left their names off the letter, including House Speaker Jason Wentworth. Another 11 republicans signed onto the campaign to impeach Whitmer or force her to resign over the policy. READ: Michigan lawmakers hold hearing, seek answers about nursing home deaths amid pandemicThe centers for Medicaid, Medicare and the AARP have been calling for Whitmer to release all the state data on nursing home deaths. READ: Tracking COVID-19 cases, deaths in Michigan long term care facilities, nursing homes

PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County announced on Wednesday that it has received 7,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. “With the news that Merck is going to be joining with Johnson & Johnson to manufacture this one dose vaccine, this increased supply of vaccine will help accelerate the end to the pandemic,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. The county health division will schedule the doses once it receives that guidance. READ: Michigan to expand COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and olderAdREAD: COVID vaccine trials underway in older children: What to knowJohnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive at Oakland County Health Division Wednesday, March, 3, 2021. (Jaime Fenner, Oakland County)“I am confident in the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine,” Oakland County Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said, mentioning that the vaccine is safe and effective.

With Michigan set to expand who can get the COVID-19 vaccine next week, local health departments, which are already struggling to make sure those most at-risk get vaccinated, will have more on their plate. READ: Michigan to expand COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and olderHackel has been a critic of the state’s vaccine rollout. He said Macomb County can do as many vaccinations as the entire state is doing daily, but the supply has been limited. Ad“Our health departments have been cautioning against this for the past several months, begging for more vaccines. Officials with Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw county health departments could not be reached for comment.

LANSING, Mich. – Over the past seven weeks, there’s been a decline in key metrics determining where we are with the pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that visitation at nursing homes will resume. READ: 12 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: Michigan restrictions loosenedAd“Under the new guidelines, family members will be able to go and visit their relatives in nursing homes after receiving a negative COVID-19 test,” Whitmer added. “We want people to be able to visit their family in the nursing homes, and we know that our businesses are doing their part to make their establishments as safe as they can,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. So far the state of Michigan has vaccinated more than 2 million residents.

WESTLAND, Mich. – The city of Westland kicked off its first COVID-19 vaccine clinic Monday by appointment only. READ: Meijer holds COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Ford Field in Detroit for educatorsMichigan expected to receive 82,700 doses of J&J vaccine this weekThe state of Michigan is expected to receive 82,700 doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine this week. The J&J vaccine doses are expected in Michigan by Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said Monday. Over the weekend, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine for an emergency use authorization. Nearly 4 million doses of the J&J vaccine are expected to start shipping across the U.S. on Monday.

After two weeks of hospitals, local health departments and pharmacies canceling COVID-19 vaccine appointments due to limited supply, Michigan is expected to receive its largest shipment so far. If the FDA approves the emergency use authorization of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine this weekend, the numbers are about to ramp up even further. “If Johnson & Johnson actually does get EUA approval this weekend, the state expects to get an additional 83,000 doses,” said Henry Ford’s Dr Sam Mossallam. READ: Warren neighbors help WWII veteran get COVID vaccineREAD: Fairness of COVID vaccine distribution up for debate in Michigan LegislatureUS advisers endorse single-shot COVID-19 vaccine from J&JU.S. health advisers endorsed a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson on Friday, putting the nation on the cusp of adding an easier-to-use option to fight the pandemic. AdAfter daylong discussions, the FDA panelists voted unanimously that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks for adults.

LANSING, Mich. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has prioritized frontline health care workers and those 65 years of age and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine first. Gretchen Whitmer’s added use of social vulnerability as part of her vaccine distribution calculations has led to concerns about fairness among some -- especially among lawmakers, since thousands of Michiganders struggling to schedule vaccination appointments are calling legislators daily. But state Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) says it is a life and death issue, and social vulnerability is included in the eligibility criteria for a good reason. “Blacks are 1.9 times more likely to die, Hispanic Americans are 2.3 times more likely to die and Native Americans are 2.4 times more likely to die,” Santana said on the Senate Floor Thursday. Duggan also sparred with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel over vaccine dose distribution.

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 26: A line of customers exhibiting social distancing is shown at a Whole Foods grocery store as the coronavirus pandemic continues on April 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued orders of social distancing limiting customers inside of stores in the State due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)DETROIT – The city of Detroit has reported that 23 Whole Foods Market employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Out of 196 employees, 23 tested positive, Fair said. We support any Team Member who is diagnosed positive or placed in quarantine so they can prioritize their health and stay home.

The hearing was initially meant to probe whether the state’s nursing home policy designated them as “hubs” for COVID patients. Andrew Cuomo’s administration was found to have been undercounting certain types of COVID deaths among nursing home patients, effectively lowering the number of deaths attributed to virus spread in nursing homes. State numbers show that a higher number of deaths: just over 5,500 residents in long-term care facilities have reportedly died from the virus. There has been no evidence, however, that Michigan is undercounting or underreporting long-term care COVID deaths. The plan was also backed by medical experts at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, the CDC and AARP, among others over the course of the pandemic.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – From Detroit to Macomb County, there are new initiatives being rolled out to help ensure seniors receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. But now Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel says the county is expanding vaccine eligibility criteria and is lowering that requirement. Anyone who is a resident of Macomb County, who is 60 or older, get them on that list,” Hackel said. To make a vaccination appointment in Macomb County, call the SMART Macomb Vaccine lines at 586-421-6579 or e-mail macombvaccines@smartbus.org with a name, phone number, address and date of birth. AdREAD: Macomb County reaches out to seniors, offers vaccines, rides to get itREAD: A look into Macomb County’s SMART bus COVID vaccination program

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Through a partnership with SMART, Macomb County is offering a new vaccination location in Sterling Heights. The vaccination site is at the Sterling Heights Senior Center on Utica Road, between Schoenherr and Van Dyke roads. It’s why the Macomb County Health Department partnered with SMART to help distribute the coronavirus vaccine. Macomb County executive Mark Hackel said the new site is currently dedicated to vaccinating Macomb County residents and workers who are 60-years-old and older. More information can be found on the Macomb County Health Department’s official website here.

With COVID vaccines still in short supply, there are concerns on how the state of Michigan is distributing the doses and whether the vulnerable population is being served. The state is now including race data in its COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard to provide additional information. More than 60% of Michigan seniors have not been vaccinated as of Tuesday. READ: How a CVS closure impacts COVID vaccination efforts for seniors in Highland ParkAdREAD: Seniors in Highland Park, Hamtramck line up to receive dose of COVID-19 vaccineREAD: Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m on an antibiotic? Why you still need to wear a mask, practice social distancing amid COVID vaccine rolloutAccording to the CDC, more than 44 million Americans have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

PORTAGE, Mich. – Friday was a big day for Michigan as President Joe Biden toured the Pfizer manufacturing facility in Portage. Biden witnessed firsthand the 1,300-acre manufacturing site with about 350 ultra-cold freezers holding millions of COVID vaccine doses getting boxed and sent out the door. READ: Biden outlines plan to ramp up US vaccine rollout while at Michigan Pfizer facilityAd“To highlight Portage, Michigan, where Pfizer vaccines are rolling, now we’ve been the epicenter of hope,” Whitmer said. “Every Michigander who wants a vaccine will get a vaccine,” she said. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the WHO, but Biden moved quickly after his inauguration last month to rejoin and confirmed that the U.S. would contribute to COVAX.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Through a partnership with SMART, Macomb County is offering a different approach for seniors to get their COVID vaccines. Willie Gattie, another Macomb County resident, received a similar call. The 66-year-old, who is visually impaired, said leaders were finally finding ways to get seniors the much-needed COVID vaccine. The bus drove up to the vaccination hub near 32 Mile Road where seniors received their vaccines. READ MORE:Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine dataMacomb County’s SMART bus vaccination program draws praise, but doses remain in low supplyMacomb County seniors brave snowy roads to get vaccinated

DETROIT – Children’s Hospital of Michigan staff gathered to say goodbye to one little girl. At 5 years old, Kyla went through a heart transplant. The little girl from Macomb County spent much time in and out of the hospital in need of a new heart. “This means a whole new step to Kyla’s new life and we’re extremely excited,” said Kyla’s mother. Watch the full report in the video above.

IONIA, Mich. – Ninety cases of the SARS-CoV-2 B117 variant have been identified at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Officials said the COVID-19 variant cases were identified after daily testing of inmates and staff at the facility. According to health officials, of those 90 cases, 88 are prisoners and two are employees. Health officials advise that Michiganders should:Wash hands often. AdEarlier this month, the variant was identified in Kent County after already identified in Wayne and Washtenaw counties.

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2020, file photo, a nurse administers the first of the two Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations in Chicago. Governors and health officials have been reluctant to sign on to a Biden administration plan to open 100 federally supported vaccination sites by the end of February. With vaccine supplies running tight, they want assurances that the doses will come from a separate federal supply and not their own. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Michigan didn’t receive the amount of COVID vaccines expected from the federal government, leading the state to take some of the first-dose allocation and shift it to those already scheduled for their second dose. The decision means that some people who have a first-dose appointment set for next week may be delayed. “MDHHS with assistance from MING queried local health departments and hospitals regarding need for second dose vaccines. We are addressing any shortages in second doses in the orders we are placing for shipment next week. Pfizer expects to have 20 million of those new doses ready to roll out by March.

Pfizer said it takes about 110 days to produce a batch of the COVID-19 vaccine. Jacobs’ mother lives on her own and works to stay active. READ: Meijer to vaccinate 25K Michigan seniorsREAD: Feds give Michigan $8.3 million for COVID vaccine distribution supportAd“Her friends that are in assisted living have gotten first dosages. I don’t want her to be another statistic because she dies from COVID because she couldn’t get the vaccine,” Jacobs added. READ: Meijer to launch COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Michigan stores: What to know

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biden administration announced it plans to use the Defense Production Act to assist in the battle against coronavirus. The Defense Production Act was also used by the Trump administration early in the pandemic to increase the production of ventilators. During a Friday press conference, the White House COVID Response Team revealed details about how the act will be used to aid in three key areas. He said the Defense Production Act will be used to prioritize getting critical supplies for Pfizer, including more filling pumps. The act will also be used to help six suppliers make at-home and point-of-care COVID tests.

Many people have expressed frustration with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Michigan, as well as setting up an appointment. Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAdNeal lives in Southfield but is a teacher in Detroit. Teachers are eligible to get vaccinated, so she called Detroit’s COVID-19 vaccination scheduling center (313-230-0505) and things moved quickly. “They emailed my sister and I and let us know that she had the ability to sign up for a vaccination,” Ogeltree said. In the city of Detroit, eligible residents can call to sign up for an appointment at the TCF Center.

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. – The St. Clair County Health Department announced that it is planning to launch a new COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration system on Friday. “We hope the community finds this new pre-registration system helpful. As more vaccine becomes available, vaccination opportunities will as well, including even more options for our residents,” said Dr. Annette Mercatante, St. Clair County medical health officer. Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAdOfficials said anyone living or working in the county and interested in pre-registering should visit www.scchealth.co. The link will be labeled as “Pre-Registration for COVID-19 Vaccine.”Individuals would need to select the “sign up” option, create a user name and password.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said it is moving forward with offering a voluntary COVID-19 testing program to educators. Officials said the MI Safe Schools Testing Program, which began Tuesday, will provide weekly tests for educators at private and public schools. Approximately 300 schools and 9,000 staff members have signed up for testing so far. Gretchen Whitmer pushed for schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. Everyone has a role to play in ending this pandemic.”The state paused high school in-person learning in November.

Shortly after former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon abruptly resigned on Jan. 22, Elizabeth Hertel was named the new director. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Hertel minutes after Gordon tweeted his resignation. “Our real challenge, the real barrier right now, is the number of vaccines we have actually coming in to the state. We have a lot of the infrastructure, the providers to be able to do the vaccine administration all over the state. “We’ve been working actively with both the local health departments and the hospital systems across the state to bring them together for that sort of coordination between the health systems and the local health departments,” Hertel said.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Sports on University of Michigan’s campus came to a sudden halt Saturday after a handful of athletes tested positive for the COVID B.1.1.7 variant. Student athletes and staff from sports including tennis, track and field, wrestling, hockey, volleyball and gymnastics all must quarantine for two weeks as suggested by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “I want to commend the University of Michigan for taking the actions that they did. He started a petition Monday on behalf of the Coalition of Student Athletes and it garnered thousands of signatures in a few hours. “We were frustrated that we really didn’t have a voice on the matter, and we’re doing all the right things going into that mandate, doing things the right that was still kind of taken from us very abruptly,” Hubaker said.

DETROIT – Wayne County health officials are investigating four confirmed cases of the COVID variant, as well as four potential cases. Officials said the four people suspected of being infected with the new B.1.1.7 variant have tested positive for COVID-19 and being retested for the variant. Officials said those four people were in close contact with the four individuals who are already confirmed to be infected with the variant. The four confirmed cases are from two 35-year-olds, a 41-year-old and a 42-year-old. “As we administer our vaccine, it is important for people to mask up, wash their hands frequently, and avoid large groups,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, chief health strategist for Wayne County.

ANN ARBOR – As of Jan. 22, 2021, Michigan has three confirmed cases of B.1.1.7 -- the new more contagious strain of coronavirus. The three women are connected to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Scientists are also concerned about new variants detected in South Africa and Brazil, which have not been found in the United States yet. Dr. Anthony Fauci stressed the new variants highlight the need to get people vaccinated quickly. RELATED: Michigan health director Robert Gordon announces resignationRobert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, abruptly resigned on Friday.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Thursday that two new cases of the COVID variant have been identified. Officials said the cases were identified in two women living in the county and were in close contact with the first person in the state to be diagnosed with the variant, known as B.1.1.7. Officials said that person tested positive after traveling to the United Kingdom where the variant originated. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant, B.1.1.7. it is possible that there are more B.1.1.7 cases in Michigan that have not been identified.”“We are watching this situation as closely as possible,” says Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials said 11,900 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the state was receiving are ruined and unusable. “That frustrates me when I know we are in a race and every vaccine matters, but that is not something I can control. Twenty-one shipments of the Moderna vaccine were rendered unusable because of temperature issues with the distributor. The distributor, McKesson Corporation, told the state the temperature went out of range and got too cold, affecting nearly 12-thousand doses. However, six additional shipments were also held back to make sure there were no issues with the vaccine.

DETROIT – Since first rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December, Wayne County has vaccinated 6,500 people in phases 1A and 1B, which includes health care workers and seniors 65 years of age and older. However, there are still 40,000 to vaccinate, including 20,000 teachers and 5,000 law enforcement personnel. READ: Vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases“We’re still at the very beginning stages because of just the sheer volume of people that require that vaccine,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Wayne County chief health strategist. It also depends on if they can get the doses they need from the state, which so far has been difficult. Right now, if I order 5,000 (doses) this week, I wouldn’t know until early next week if I’m getting the full 5,000 or if I’m getting 1,000 only.

The first case of a COVID-19 variant believed to be more contagious was detected in Michigan over the weekend. Two additional positive COVID cases have been identified among close contacts with the Washtenaw County woman, but it is unclear if those two individuals are also infected with the virus variant. What do we know about COVID variant B.1.1.7.? The B.1.1.7 variant is estimated to have emerged in September 2020 and has quickly become the dominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant in England, the CDC says. Earlier this month, research suggested Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine can protect against the B.1.1.7 variant, specifically.

Some county health departments are canceling COVID-19 vaccine appointments due to a supply shortage. Henry Ford Hospital leaders addressed the vaccine and the magnitude of this project. Henry Ford alone will deliver more than 1 million individual doses of this two-dose vaccine. Which means making 7 million vaccination appointments over the next several months,” said Bob Riney, president of Healthcare Operations and COO with Henry Ford. We’re cancelling the one we’ve got coming up on Tuesday (Jan. 19).”Washtenaw County Health Department said the appointments they had to cancel next week will be rescheduled.

DEARBORN – Hamid Alkhalili is a nurse at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn and has seen the devastation from the coronavirus pandemic up close -- but it did little to prepare him for when his father tested positive for the virus and became a patient. PREVIOUS: Dearborn nurse documents father’s battle with COVID-19 at same hospital“Our family as a whole, we feel broken about it,” Alkhalili said. “But this has brought us together.”Alkhalili and his brother, Abdallah, had been pulling for their father, Issa, every step of the way as he fought against COVID-19. Due to COVID precautions, Alkhalili had to witness his father’s illness through a small window on the hospital room door. He went through almost a month in the hospital, and he was a strong one, not us,” Alkhalili said.

“The demand for the vaccine is overwhelming,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. I ask the public to please be patient with health department staff as we try to assist everyone. It depends on where you live: You have to You have to check with your local health department because they will have different capacities and workflows. You can figure out the name of the local health department for your county using this map. If there is no link for your local health department, you can check back tomorrow, as this page will be updated regularly.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Michigan officials said adults 65 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday, Jan. 11. For now, people will be required to have an online appointment to get a vaccine. Beaumont Health sent out 900,000 emails to seniors already enrolled in myBeaumontChart Thursday night, alerting them that appointments were available. At Beaumont Health, once you’ve secured the appointment, you will be directed to the hospital’s Southfield service center. “We have found this is the safest way to vaccinate the most people at once.”Phone appointments could be possible in the future.

Metro Detroit’s tri-counties -- Wayne, Oakland and Macomb -- are running out of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Wayne County Health Department, which does not include Detroit, is getting 975 doses of the vaccine from Michigan every seven to 10 days. Oakland County has received 1,950 a week and is also requesting 5,000 a week. Macomb County is receiving 1,000 a week and requesting 50,000. Both Oakland and Wayne counties said they could give 1,000 shots a day if they had them.

LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan gets ready to open up COVID-19 vaccination to people 65 and older on Monday, Gov. “You should go online right now, check in with your local public health department, check on the DHHS website, watch it. Whitmer lays out plan to expand COVID-19 vaccinations to Michiganders 65 and olderRead: Ingham County to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinationsPeople are encouraged to watch their emails as your hospital may reach out to you. Whitmer conveyed her frustration with the CDC, which first listed Michigan 43rd in the nation for initial vaccines given but now shows it is 11th. We’re improving our times every single day and I am confident that we are ready to take on more vaccines,” Whitmer said.

Gretchen Whitmer announced that people 65 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting Jan. 11. The list also includes essential workers such as school and child care workers, first responders as well as jail and prison staff. READ: Michigan moving to new phase of COVID vaccinations, including teachers, first responders, residents age 65But how will you know when to get vaccinated? READ: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine data6 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: Michigan’s restrictions, metrics concerns, vaccinesMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided an update Wednesday on COVID-19 in Michigan, talking about whether restrictions will be loosened or strengthened, a concerning trend in the metrics and a new phase of vaccinations.

INGHAM COUNTY, Mich. – Hundreds of thousands of the COVID-19 vaccine sit idle in freezers around the state, but not in Ingham County. “We are vaccinating roughly 350 a day,” County Health Officer Linda Vail. As for the numbers showing that Michigan overall is struggling to vaccinate, Vail thinks there could be a discrepancy. “If you look at the dashboards and things like that, it’ll show you that we’ve administered a couple 1,000 doses in Ingham County, and that number is closer to 7,500 as of yesterday. READ: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine data

DETROIT – Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit has been at the forefront of a lot of different kinds of surgery and medical treatment. One in particular is called piezoelectric sound conduction, which is a new electronic way to help those with hearing loss and restore full hearing. Holland grew up in Roseville, and at age 12, she needed a growth inside her ear surgically removed. That meant the loss of the hearing structures inside her left ear. The device also connects to Bluetooth, which Holland can answer the phone and no one else can hear.

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Chris Long is a father of three, and at 54 years old he was active and a mostly healthy, decades-long cancer survivor. However, when he was exposed to COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic, there was no predicting how his life would change. After going in for surgery last February when doctors didn’t have a word for the illness, Long began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Long woke up in the hospital three days later and stayed for another two days. When symptoms returned in April, he went back.

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines around the country is not meeting the goal of what has been originally expected, officials said. However, Michigan’s numbers will be increasing even more, as 486 facilities in the state are currently offering the vaccine. Veterans have now been added to the list of those allowed to receive the vaccine in the state. On Wednesday, vaccinations for veterans were given out at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center for the first time. Thankfully, under the Biden-Harris administration, it’s clear that we will have officials that listen to science, data, and subject matter experts.” Gov.

DETROIT – Michigan has received 278,000 doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines so far, but only 71,000 have been administered. “There’s no question this is the most massive vaccination effort that we’ve undertaken in this country,” Khaldun said. “I think the operational challenges of it means it is moving slower than anybody actually wants it to.”Khaldun said some hospital systems opted to start the vaccination process slowly to make sure it was done correctly. READ MORE:Timeline of how COVID trends have actually changed since Michigan issued, extended, revised orderMichigan’s most recent COVID-19 order has issued, extended and then revised tighter restrictions on the state over the past six weeks. Gretchen Whitmer says the order has greatly improved the COVID-19 situation in Michigan, but does that timeline actually line up?

DEARBORN – A 63-year-old man has been at the Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn for more than a week battling COVID-19. It has been extremely hard on his family, especially his son who works as a nurse at the same hospital. “First it started off with chills, body fatigue and it just kind of attacked his lungs,” said registered nurse Hamid Alkhalili. “I’m a nurse at the hospital, but unfortunately the hospital at this time has a no-visitor policy. Alkhalili also wanted to shed light on all of the frontline workers at hospitals taking care of others.

LANSING, Mich. – If you get a text message this week from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), it’s not a scam. The state is reaching out via text to encourage people to sign up for the MI COVID Alert app. PREVIOUS: Michigan testing pilot COVID app to alert possible exposures: How it worksThe app relies on Bluetooth to determine location and users to anonymously input whether they have tested positive. The text messages sent this week has a link in it to send you to the app page. Downloading is free, and success of the MI COVID Alert app depends on how many participate.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted an emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Friday evening, the second vaccine to be authorized in the country. Prior to the authorization, the FDA advisory panel voted 20-0 with one abstention on Thursday to recommend the vaccine. UPDATE: US clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19, 2nd shot in arsenalDr. A Oveta Fuller, a virologist and viral pathogen researcher at the University of Michigan, voted “No” to recommend the Pfizer vaccine. However, she said she voted “Yes” this time for Moderna. It seemed like their study was set up to meet that at the minimum but it wasn’t set up to do a whole lot else,” Fuller said.