Washtenaw County is once again at a "high" COVID-19 transmission level, according to the CDC.

Join CUAA for the biannual Concordia Vespers on Sunday, Nov. 14.

From big band tunes to a beloved holiday favorite, Hill Auditorium will host two memorable shows during the holidays.

A newspaper reporter says he was punched in the face while covering an anti-mask event near Traverse City.

See what's on tap at UMMA this fall.

The Ann Arbor YMCA has reinstated its mask policy as Washtenaw County sees "substantial" COVID transmission, according to the CDC.

University of Michigan announced a new mask mandate as the delta variant emerges on campus and throughout the country.

U-M's President Mark Schlissel said individuals walking outdoors on campus can go mask-free.

On Friday, Dec. 4 the CDC published in a weekly report updated guidelines that recommend “universal use of face masks” as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths climb across the nation at dangerous rates. “Face mask use is most important in indoor spaces and outdoors when physical distance of 6 feet (or less) cannot be maintained,” the CDC’s report reads. Read more: What the CDC says about face masks -- a refresherThe updated guidelines come amid recent research that shows face masks not only prevent a person from spreading COVID-19, but they also provide some protection to the wearer -- though to a lesser extent. In light of the new guidelines, the CDC is encouraging state and local governments to “issue policies or directives mandating universal use of face masks in indoor (nonhousehold) settings,” and to provide face masks to populations in need to help prevent the spread of COVID. Majority of the CDC’s previously-issued mask guidelines have not changed, however, including what types of masks to wear and how to wear them.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan Medicine has partnered with about 100 of the country’s top health care systems urging Americans to mask up as COVID-19 cases reach record-breaking highs. Over the past two weeks, more than 900 medical workers at Mayo Clinic tested positive for COVID-19. The message reads:“As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. However now is exactly the wrong time to let up,” Marschall S. Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine and dean of the U-M Medical School said in a statement. “But for now, we have to use the tools that we know work: wearing masks, staying socially distant and washing hands.

PORT HURON, Mich. – The St. Clair County Health Department has identified Roche Bar, located at 405 Quay Street in Port Huron, as a potential coronavirus exposure site after an employee tested positive. RELATED: Tracking the trends of how COVID-19 is spreadOfficials urge anyone who has visited Roche Bar between Oct. 17 and Oct. 25 to monitor for symptoms over the next 14 days and to seek testing. Patrons should take precautions to avoid transmitting COVID-19 to others. The health department listed the following steps to protect others:Wearing a mask or face covering when in public spacesPracticing social distancing- 6 feet or more away from othersAvoiding large gatheringsStaying home when you are sickAnyone who believes they might have coronavirus should follow the CDC guidelines. Michigan.gov has a list of resources available to those concerned about COVID-19.

ANN ARBOR – Nearly 30 school administrators across Washtenaw County have signed a joint letter with the Washtenaw County Health Department encouraging community members to help limit the spread of COVID-19 so that in-person instruction can be phased in throughout the fall and winter. The Health Department and Washtenaw County schools have been jointly monitoring COVID-19 data, trends, best practices and how schools across the state that have reopened are faring. “We’re asking everyone in Washtenaw County to do their part to keep the spread of illness low," said Loveluck. Being outdoors in an open space is safer, and the Washtenaw County Health Department recommends avoiding being in small rooms with poor airflow with non-household members. This means responding promptly to school and health officials and answering questions honestly - to protect everyone’s health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines for selecting, wearing and cleaning face masks for the coronavirus pandemic. The update was released Aug. 27. The CDC continues to recommend that you wear masks in public settings “around people who don’t live in your household and when you can’t stay 6 feet away from others.” Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC maintains. In Michigan, it has been the law to wear masks in public buildings and spaces since the governor’s order was issued in July. Find the CDC’s complete face masks recommendations/guidelines here.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Monday in Michigan marked the first day that Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s new face mask requirement went into effect -- making it a misdemeanor to refuse wearing one in enclosed public spaces. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham is on board with the requirement, urging people to wear face masks and businesses to require them. Whitmer, the department just doesn’t have the resources to respond to every complaint about people not complying with the mask requirement. Hackel believes the new mask requirement is a knee-jerk reaction to recent events, and that it is not democratic. As of Monday, Michigan is reporting 69,722 COVID-19 cases and 6,075 deaths -- and increase of 384 new cases and seven deaths since Sunday.

“I told him smiling is a part of our uniform and I want to make my customers happy in these hard times. And we have deaf customers. “All other customers are so happy to see my smile and (they’re) giving so many compliments.”Now, back to the letter. As happy as Knowles felt being able to better communicate with customers, it had nothing on what Travers wrote on her behalf to Publix management. Asli texted, ‘I like to smile and I think this pandemic is making everyone upset and I want to make customers happy with my smile.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by Boomer NaturalsHost Tati Amare talked with Dr. Christina Madison from Boomer Naturals about how to care for your face masks and coverings. Dr. Madison explained that when caring for your masks you want to hold the mask by the ear loops because the contaminants from the virus are on the front of the mask. With a Boomer Naturals mask you can hand wash the mask by washing it in soapy water and hanging it to air dry. Boomer Naturals masks last for 30 days or 30 washes.