Added on March 23, 2020  Sara Swanson

Public Health Crisis: COVID-19 news for the Manchester area - UPDATED WEEKLY

(Article updated 8-2-22)

Current positive cases & vaccination information:

Manchester (zip code 48158) has had 1,637 positive cases. Washtenaw County has had 95,315 positive cases with 3,303 hospitalizations and 546 deaths. The State of Michigan has had 2,672,312 positive cases and 37,428 deaths.

This was an increase of 10 new positive case in Manchester (zip code 48158) in the last 7 days.

Between 60% and 69% of Manchester, Bridgewater, Freedom and Sharon Township residents are fully vaccinated.

In Washtenaw County 7.9% of residents 6 months old to 4 years old have initiated primary series, 63.1% of residents 5 to 15 years old have completed their primary vaccine series, 80.6% of residents 30 to 49 years old have completed their primary vaccine series and 50.7% have also received their booster, 85.8% of residents 50 to 64 years old have completed their primary vaccine series and 64.1% have also received their booster, 93.7% of residents 65+ years old have completed their primary vaccine series and 77.6% have also received their booster. (Ages 16 to 29 are not currently being reported because the county's large out-of-state college age population is under-reported in the state system.)

Note: Data from Washtenaw County Health Department and Michigan.gov. Cases by zip code are updated by the County once a week on Thursday evenings. Vaccine information is updated by the county every other week on Tuesday evenings.

 

News:

(updated 11-4-21 8:45pm)

Because of the frequency of new cases, we are no longer updating school exposures on this page. Check out the most up-to-date Manchester Community Schools case and close contact counts HERE. 

(updated 9-28-21 6:45pm)

4 additional students test positive for COVID-19

Manchester Community Schools updated their COVID-19 Extended Learning Plan Dashboard yesterday and added 3 additional High School students and 1 additional positive Klager Elementary student. These new positive cases bring the district's total up to 19 new positive COVID-19 cases in the last 4 and a 1/2 weeks. In addition, 76 staff members and students have been required to quarantine this school year so far.

(updated 9-23-21 4:15pm)

MCS up to 15 positive COVID-19 cases this school year

Manchester Community Schools updated their COVID-19 Extended Learning Plan Dashboard today. With new positive cases and close contacts over the past couple of weeks, district now has 15 positive COVID-19 cases so far this school year and 69 close contacts required to quarantine.

(updated 9-7-21 6:45pm)

Two additional positive COVID-19 cases at Klager

Manchester Community Schools updated their COVID-19 Extended Learning Plan Dashboard today and added a Klager Elementary staff member testing positive last week and a Klager student testing positive this week. With these cases the district has 8 positive cases so far this school year.

(updated 9-3-21 11:00am)

Four Manchester Community School students test positive for COVID-19

Manchester Community Schools updated their COVID-19 Extended Learning Plan Dashboard on Thursday to show three Riverside student positive cases this week and one Klager positive case. In addition to the two staff members who are positive (one occurred right before school began and the other was posted on Tuesday), the school district has had six positive cases so far in this school year.

(updated 8-31-21 9:15 pm)

Two Manchester Community Schools staff members test positive for COVID-19

Manchester Community Schools updated their COVID-19 Extended Learning Plan Dashboard this week and after no new positive cases or quarantines posted in June or July, a Manchester High School staff member tested positive last week and a Klager staff member tested positive this week. These were the first two positive cases of this school year. No staff or students are reported on the dashboard as currently having to quarantine.

(updated 5-18-21 12:15 pm)

A Manchester Early Childhood Center staff member tests positive for COVID-19, 6 students quarantining

Yesterday Manchester Community Schools alerted families that a staff member at the Manchester Early Childhood Center (MECC) tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, 6 MECC students are quarantining. The MECC is located in the Klager Elementary building. This is the 1st staff member at the MECC or in Klager to test positive and 9th staff member in the district to test positive. Including staff and students, 30 individuals within Manchester Community Schools have tested positive.

(updated 4-29-21 7:00 pm)

Manchester pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic to be held at Emanuel Church

The Washtenaw County Health Department is holding a Free Pop-up Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic in Manchester on Thursday, May 6th from 3pm-7pm at Emanuel United Church of Christ, located at 324 W. Main Street. This clinic is open to anyone 16 or over and will be the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments are preferred but a limited number of walk-up vaccines will be available during clinic hours. Make an appointment at http://bit.ly/manchestervax .

(updated 4-19-21 8:45 pm)

Over 50 in Washtenaw and still need a vaccine?

Anyone in Washtenaw County 50 years or older can contact the Washtenaw County Health Department to get scheduled as soon as possible for a vaccine appointment. Call WCHD at 734-544-6700 and leave a message or send them an email at L-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org.

(updated 4-16-21 6:45 pm)

Another MHS student tests positive for COVID-19, 5 more quarantining

This morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that another Manchester High School  student tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, 1 more high school student, 2 more Riverside students and 2 more Klager students are quarantining. This is the 17th student to test positive in the district. Including staff, 25 individuals within Manchester Community Schools have tested positive. These cases bring Manchester Community School's two-week district total to 7 positive COVID-19 cases and 69 quarantined individuals. All Manchester Community School classes are currently being taught virtually through April 28

(updated 4-14-21 10:15 pm)

3 more COVID-19 positive student, 16 more quarantining. All MCS schools moving to virtual

This morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that additional 3 positive COVID-19 cases within the district, with 1 in the Manchester Early Childhood Center and 2 in Manchester Jr./Sr. High School. In addition, 2 staff members and 16 students were considered close contacts and are quarantining. These cases bring Manchester Community School's two-week district total to 6 positive COVID-19 cases and 64 quarantined individuals. Manchester Community Schools also announced that the Manchester Early Childhood Center, Luther C. Klager Elementary, Riverside Intermediate School, and the Manchester Jr./Sr. High School will transition to Remote Learning platform exclusively beginning Friday, April 16, 2021 and continuing through Wednesday, April 28, 2021 with a return to five-day per week, In-Person schedule on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

(updated 4-13-21 6:15 pm)

A Riverside student tests positive for COVID-19, 9 more quarantining

This morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that another Riverside Intermediate Student tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, 9 Riverside students are quarantining. This is the 16th student to test positive in the district. Including staff, 24 individuals within Manchester Community Schools have tested positive.

Health Department pausing J&J vaccine use, postponing vaccine clinics

From the Washtenaw County Health Department:

Washtenaw County Health Department is pausing all use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA and CDC have recommended this pause, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed it. The Health Department is stopping all use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until more is known. There is no impact on use of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

For today, the scheduled vaccine clinic at Pierce Lake Elementary in Chelsea will operate and will offer the Pfizer vaccine. The scheduled clinic this afternoon at EMU Convocation Center is postponed. Tomorrow (Wednesday), two clinics scheduled clinics will be postponed, one at Concordia University and another at EMU. Individuals with postponed appointments will be contacted and rescheduled as soon as possible.

“We are stopping all use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until we have more information on the few incidents of concern and clear recommendations on future use,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with the Health Department. “This does not change the fact that COVID-19 vaccination overall is safe and effective. Millions have been vaccinated.”

(updated 4-9-21 7:15 pm)

Two more MHS students test positive for COVID-19, twenty-four quarantining

This afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that two more Manchester High School students have tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, this week 24 MHS students, 5 Riverside students, 1 Riverside staff member and 4 Klager students are quarantining. These students are the 11th & 12th MHS student to test positive, bringing the total number of students in the district to test positive up to 15. Including staff, 23 individuals within Manchester Community Schools have tested positive.

(updated 4-1-21 8:30 pm)

WCHD: Quarantine instructions for COVID-19 close contacts

From the Washtenaw County Health Department:

COVID-19 cases have surged dramatically in Washtenaw County. Unfortunately hospitalizations and deaths have also been on the rise. We're looking at about 110-140 new cases of COVID-19 daily. In the past two weeks, we have had 1,284 confirmed cases in Washtenaw County. Each case brings with it multiple close contacts, which means, our staff are making hundreds of calls daily to people who could have been exposed. Despite working hard, we can't notify close contacts as quickly as we'd like to.

If you have been exposed, you may not receive a call from us right away. Follow these quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated people who are exposed are not required to quarantine if:
1. They are * completely * vaccinated. That is, it has been at least 14 days since you received the last dose of your vaccine (2 doses of Moderna; 2 doses Pfizer; or 1 dosages of Janssen / Johnson & Johnson), and
2. They haven't developed ANY symptoms since being exposed.

(updated 4-1-21 8:30 pm)

Over 60 in Washtenaw and still need a vaccine?

Anyone in Washtenaw County 60 years or older can contact the Washtenaw County Health Department to get scheduled as soon as possible for a vaccine appointment. Call WCHD at 734-544-6700 and leave a message or send them an email at L-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org.

(updated 3-18-21 6:45 pm)

3/4 of Washtenaw 65+ years old residents have received at least the first dose of vaccine

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced today that as of Tuesday, nearly 75% of people 65+ in Washtenaw County have received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. If you know someone 65+ in Washtenaw who is still waiting to be scheduled for an appointment, please contact the health department at 734-544-6700 and leave a voicemail.

(updated 3-8-21 7:45 pm)

Health Department opens mass vaccination site in Chelsea

Washtenaw County Health Department is adding a second mass vaccination location on the western side of the county. The Pierce Lake Elementary School site opens Tues., March 9 in collaboration with St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea hospital and Chelsea School District. The new site will provide approximately 324 vaccinations per day and add additional days as supplies allow. Pierce Lake Elementary School is located at 275 N. Freer Road, Chelsea, Mich., 48118 and is not currently in use as a school building. Individuals eligible for vaccination under state prioritization guidelines can request an appointment online at https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination or by calling the Health Department at 734-544-6700 or contacting 211.

(updated 3-3-21 8:00 pm)

State expands vaccine eligibility 

From the Washtenaw County Health Department:

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced it is expanding vaccine eligibility starting Monday, March 8 to those 50 years old or older with medical conditions or disabilities, as well as caregiver family members and guardians age 16+ of children who have special health care needs. Starting Monday, March 8 at 8:30am, newly eligible people will be able to complete our Health Department vaccine appointment request survey. Those who are eligible will likely have to wait several weeks or more (depending on supplies) before an appointment is available. On Monday, March 22, everyone 50 years old or older will be eligible for vaccine. We will share more about the vaccine request process for this group in the coming weeks.

(updated 2-15-21 7:45 pm)

Washtenaw Vaccination Clinic Cancelled for Tues., Feb 16

Washtenaw County Health Department is postponing all scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointments for Tues., Feb 16. All appointments will be rescheduled. Washtenaw County has closed all non-essential operations due to the winter storm and dangerous conditions. The vaccination site at EMU Convocation Center will be closed. Vaccine information is available at www.washtenaw.org/covid19vaccine. Individuals who cannot easily see online information can call 734-544-6700 or 211 or email l-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org. Media inquiries, please contact Susan Ringler Cerniglia at ringlers@washtenaw.org or 734-678-7010.

(updated 2-5-21 8:00 pm)

23 cases of B117 variant in Washtenaw

from Washtenaw County Health Department

To date, 23 cases of the COVID-19 variant B117 have been identified in Washtenaw County. The initial case of the B117 variant was identified on Jan 16 in the University of Michigan community. Not all subsequent cases are connected to this first case, but all remain associated with the university community. Washtenaw County Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and the university are working closely to implement additional containment strategies to slow the spread of the variant. As a part of this response, the Health Department and local partners have offered no-cost testing each weekend since the variant was identified locally. Positive COVID-19 tests from these events are being sequenced for the variant. From the Jan 24 event, no cases of the variant were identified among the positive test results. Sequencing from additional dates is still pending.

(updated 2-4-21 6:30 pm)

Another MHS student tests positive for COVID-19, eleven more quarantining

Wednesday Manchester Community Schools alerted families that an additional Manchester High School student has tested positive for COVID-19. Eleven additional MHS students are quarantining. This student is the 10th MHS student to test positive bringing the total number of students in the district to test positive up to 13. Including staff, 21 individuals within Manchester Community Schools have tested positive.

(updated 2-1-21 9:30 pm)

Virtual Manchester Township & Planning Commission Meetings

Because of COVID-19, both the Manchester Township Planning Commission February 4, 2021 meeting and the Manchester Township February 9, 2021 meeting will be held by teleconference. The teleconference system is available for those who wish to call in. To attend remotely call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When the supervisor announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keyboard and then wait for the supervisor to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Township at 734-428-7090.

(updated 1-29-21 6:15 pm)

Another MHS student tests positive for COVID-19, five more quarantining

Friday morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that an additional Manchester High School student has tested positive for COVID-19. Five additional students are quarantining; two High School students, one Riverside student, and 2 Klager Elementary students. This student is the 9th MHS student to test positive bringing the total number of students in the district to test positive up to 12. Including staff, 20 individuals within Manchester Community Schools have tested positive.

(updated 1-24-21 2:45 pm)

Health Department alerts public to possible B117 exposure sitesCases of the COVID-19 variant B117 have been identified in Washtenaw County. A total of 5 cases of the variant have been identified and additional sequencing continues for other possible cases already positive for COVID-19. Washtenaw County Health Department is now aware of a possible public exposure. Brief, public exposures are not normally a COVID-19 exposure concern but the B117 variant is more easily transmitted and could lead to more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. As a precaution, the Health Department recommends immediate COVID-19 testing for anyone in the following locations at the specific times provided.

• Sun, Jan 17 at the Meijer on Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI from 9:00 to 10:00 am
• Sun, Jan 17 Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor MI from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

(updated 1-11-21 10:30 pm)

Another Riverside staff member and Klager student test positive for COVID-19, six more quarantining

Monday afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that an additional Riverside staff member and an additional Klager student have tested positive for COVID-19. Six additional students are quarantining. This is the 5th Riverside staff member to test positive bringing the total number of staff members in the district to test positive up to 8. This is the 4th Klager student to test positive bringing the total number of students in the district to test positive up to 11.

(updated 1-8-21 7:35 pm)

Manchester Township holding teleconference meeting

Because of COVID-19, the Manchester Township January 12, 2021 Meeting will be held by teleconference. The teleconference system is available for those who wish to call in. To attend remotely call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When the supervisor announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keyboard and then wait for the supervisor to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Township at 734-428-7090.

(updated 1-5-21 10:30 pm)

Manchester Township holding teleconference meeting

Because of COVID-19, the Manchester Township Planning Commission January 7, 2021 Meeting will be held by teleconference. The teleconference system is available for those who wish to call in. To attend remotely call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When the chair announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keyboard and then wait for the chair to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Township at 734-428-7090.

(updated 12-22-20 4:15 pm)

Students will return to in-person learning Monday Jan 4th 

Manchester Community Schools superintendent Dr. Bezeau announced Tuesday that when K-12 school resumes on January 4th, it will resume as in-person for the in-person learners. Virtual Wednesdays will continue through at least January 20th.

 

Another MHS student tests positive for COVID-19, eight more quarantining

Tuesday morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that another Manchester High School student has tested positive for COVID-19. Eight additional students are quarantining. This brings the total number of High School students to test positive up to 8 and the total for students in the district up to 11. Including staff members, 17 members of Manchester Community Schools have tested positive. All of MCS is currently off school for the winter break until January.

(updated 12-21-20 12:00 pm)

Two more MHS students test positive for COVID-19

Monday morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that two more Manchester High School students have tested positive for COVID-19. Four additional students are quarantining. This brings the total number of High School students to test positive up to 7 and the total for students in the district up to 10. Including staff members, 16 members of Manchester Community Schools have tested positive. All of MCS is currently off school for the winter break until January.

(updated 12-13-20 8:30 pm)

Washtenaw County Health Department preparing to receive vaccine

from the Washtenaw County Health Department

While many of us are weeks and months away from getting vaccinated, your public health team (who are also your neighbors/community members) are continuing to investigate cases and contacts, setting up testing clinics, AND now preparing to receive COVID-19. The first vaccine supplies will go to health care workers and those who will give vaccine to others. Please be patient.

(updated 12-8-20 5:30pm)

Another MHS student tests positive for COVID-19

Tuesday afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that another Manchester High School student has tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of High School students to test positive up to 5 and the total for students in the district up to 8. Including staff members, 14 members of Manchester Community Schools have tested positive. All MCS K-12 classes are being taught remotely through December 20th.

(updated 12-7-20 10:00pm)

MHS Remote Learning extended & dining rooms closed through December 20th

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today that Michigan has extended the statewide economic pause scheduled to end this week for at least another 12 days as hospital beds are 79% full. In the Manchester area the extension keeps indoor dining at restaurants and bars off limits, and Manchester High Schools grades 9-12 online, until Dec. 20. Because of Christmas break, this effectively pushes off the return to in-person learning for these grades through January. Whitmer and state health leaders also called on Michiganders to avoid large gatherings over the December holidays, and limit celebrations to people in their households.

(updated 12-4-20 5:30pm)

Manchester Township resuming teleconference meetings

Manchester Township will resume teleconference governmental meetings beginning December 8, 2020. The teleconference system is available for those who wish to call in. To attend remotely call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda.  When the supervisor announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keyboard and then wait for the supervisor to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Township at 734-428-7090.

(updated 12-3-20 5:30pm)

3 more MHS students test positive for COVID-19

Thursday afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that 3 more Manchester High School students have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of High School students to test positive up to 4 and the total for students in the district up to 7. Including staff members, 13 members of Manchester Community Schools have tested positive. All MCS K-12 classes are being taught remotely through December 8th.

(updated 12-2-20 4:45pm)

Another Riverside staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Wednesday morning Manchester Community Schools alerted families that another Riverside staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the fourth staff member at Riverside to test positive, and is the sixth staff member in the district to test positive. All MCS K-12 classes are being taught remotely through December 8th.

(updated 11-30-20 5:15pm)

Manchester Township Planning Commission resuming teleconference meetings

Due to COVID-19, Manchester Township Planning Commission will resume teleconference governmental meetings beginning December 3, 2020. The teleconference system is available for those who wish to call in. To attend remotely call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda.  When the chair announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keyboard and then wait for the chair to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Township at 734-428-7090.

(updated 11-23-20 1:45pm)

Second MHS staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Monday afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that a Manchester High School staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the second positive staff member at the High School to test positive, and is the fifth staff member in the district to test positive. All MCS K-12 classes are being taught remotely through December 8th.

(updated 11-20-20 1:00pm)

Remote Learning extended through December 8th for all MCS K-12 students 

Manchester Community Schools alerted families this morning that given the current status of new community cases in our area, coupled with the additional cases of COVID-19 this week at Klager, Kindergarten through 8th grade students will join the 9th through 12th grade students in a Remote Learning only format through December 8th. The State of Michigan is currently requiring 9th - 12th grade students use the Remote Learning format only through Tuesday, December 8, 2020. The district will resume In-Person Learning on Thursday, December 10, 2020 throughout the district.

(updated 11-19-20 5:45pm)

2 additional Klager Elementary students test positive for COVID-19

Tuesday afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that 2  additional Klager Elementary students have tested positive for COVID-19. One Klager Elementary student tested positive the first week of November. Klager Elementary grades K-2 are meeting remotely through at least Nov. 30th.

(updated 11-13-20 6:45pm)

Manchester High School staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Friday afternoon Manchester Community Schools alerted families that a staff member at the Manchester Jr./Sr. High School has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, a High School staff member is now quarantining, as well as additional staff members at both Klager Elementary and Riverside Intermediate. None of these quarantines were associated with any Manchester Community School positive cases or quarantines, and are a result of the latest surge in community spread. There have also been two additional students at Klager Elementary this week quarantined not related to any of the current school based cases and quarantines. Manchester High School last met in-person on Tuesday. Klager Elementary and Riverside both met in-person today and will start remote learning on Monday. Remote learning for all students is scheduled through at least Nov. 30th.

(updated 11-9-20 6:15pm)

COVID-19 positive student at Manchester High School -- District moving to Remote Learning through Nov. 30th

Manchester Community Schools alerted families this afternoon that a Manchester High School student has tested positive for COVID-19 and that seven additional high school students are quarantining. Shortly after, families were informed that given the current rise in new community cases in our area coupled with the new instances of positive cases of COVID-19, multiple quarantines, and exposures within the district, the district is transitioning the Manchester Community Schools to the Remote Learning platform. Manchester High School students will begin Remote Learning on Thursday, November 12. Klager Elementary and Riverside Intermediate will begin remote learning on Monday, November 16; the extra days to give families time to set-up childcare if needed. The district will remain remote until at least November 30th. In the letter, Superintendent, Dr. Brad Bezeau stressed that the Remote Learning is not a closure of school and that learning and assessments will continue on Google Classroom and grades will be assigned.

(updated 11-6-20 9:30pm)

COVID-19 positive student at Klager Elementary

Friday morning superintendent Bezeau alerted families that the district had a Klager Elementary student test positive for COVID-19 and that in working with the Washtenaw County Health Department, there were no identified students or staff members that were considered in close contact of the individual so no staff or other students were required to quarantine.

 

(updated 10-13-20 5:45pm)

3 positive COVID-19 cases at Riverside, 7 staff members quarantining

Late Friday afternoon Manchester Community Schools reported a positive COVID-19 case at Riverside Intermediate School, the first positive case in the district. Sunday afternoon they reported a second, and Tuesday morning, a third. According to their COVID-19 Dashboard, all three positive cases are among staff members and that 7 total staff members (including the positive staff members) are now quarantining; 5 from Riverside, 1 from Klager Elementary, and 1 from the Jr/Sr High School. According to the dashboard, no students are currently quarantining. Superintendent Brad Bezeau stated in a letter to families that in working with the Washtenaw County Health Department they’d identified any close contacts and those individuals have been contacted. A close contact is defined as an individual who was within 6 feet of a positive case for 15 minutes cumulative (with or without a mask).

(updated 10-6-20 5:00pm)

Free Covid-19 testing in Manchester this Saturday

from the Washtenaw County Health Department

Free Covid-19 testing, Saturday, Oct 10 in Manchester from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Emanuel United Church of Christ, 324 W. Main St, Manchester. With or without symptoms. With or without insurance. REGISTRATION preferred http://bit.ly/TestManchester. The National Guard will be present to assist with testing.

(updated 10-5-20 3:45pm)

MCS K-5th students to wear masks in classroom

Manchester Community Schools superintendent, Brad Bezeau issued a statement to parents yesterday clarifying that the district is requiring younger students to wear masks in classrooms starting this morning. He stated, "Per the latest State of Michigan Executive Order 2020-185, beginning Monday, October 5, 2020, all Kindergarten through Fifth Grade students must wear a facial covering within their classrooms.  This extends the current requirement of these students wearing facial coverings in common areas throughout the building.  Given the current Michigan Supreme Court rulings regarding executive orders, this mandate could be in effect for at least the next 21 days as we continue to sort through this, and we'll implement accordingly.  We'll also respond accordingly regarding any removal of any requirements as we continue to receive more guidance on this subject."

(updated 9-9-20 9:00pm)

Fall sports are a go. but masks are required

Manchester Jr./Sr. High Principal/Athletic Director, Eric McCalla announced an update on fall sports. He stated that as of Thursday, September 3 the MHSAA has given all fall sports the green light in all regions. He also outlined several policies coming from executive order and the MHSAA:

• Masks are mandatory for athletes while competing and practicing.  This is a major change. Masks are mandatory for all spectators at both inside and outside venues.
• 2 spectators will be permitted to enter per athlete (no exceptions)
• Please pay your gate admission through revtrak. https://manchester.revtrak.net/ The cost varies depending on sport and conference affiliation. 
  • Volleyball ( conference games only home and away)
  • Football (conference games only home and away )
  • Soccer ( Home games only)
• There will be no court or field access. Any pictures must be taken from the stands
• All spectators must socially distance with the exception of the people they live with. Spectators must wear masks at all times.
• When the event is over spectators must leave the facility. You can speak to your student-athlete in the parking lot or at home. There are to be no gatherings after the games.

(updated 9-3-20 5:45pm)

Michigan gyms, indoor pools can reopen Sept. 9

Gyms and indoor pools can reopen Sept. 9 and organized sports can resume Friday under an executive order signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Under the order:

• Gym-goers will be required to wear masks indoors at all times except while swimming.
• Gyms will be limited to 25 percent capacity.
• Equipment and attendees to group exercise classes must be spaced at least six feet apart.
• Equipment must be regularly sanitized and sanitizing equipment must be available for customers.
• Indoor pools will be limited to 25 percent capacity and outdoor pools will be limited to 50 percent capacity.
• Bowling alleys, roller rinks and ice skating rinks can be open only to serve as a venue for organized sports.
• Athletes who are playing sports won’t be required to social distance, but must do so and wear masks when they’re not playing.
• Audiences for organized sports indoors must be limited to the guests of athletes. Each athlete can designate up to two guests. Outdoor sports must have less than 100 people in the audience or two guests per athlete.
• No live audiences will be allowed for professional sports.

(updated 8-18-20 6:00pm)

Manchester High School Football season postponed until spring

Monday morning, Eric McCalla the Manchester Jr./Sr. High Principal and Athletic Director announced that as of Friday, August 14th the MHSAA representative council voted to postpone football until the spring.  He stated that the details of what this will look like has to be worked out at the state level. McCalla continued, “The MHSAA has said that all other fall sports in the low and moderate risk categories are moving forward.  Practices have begun in all those other sports and competitions may begin in golf and tennis on August 19 and cross country on August 21.  The Representative Council will be meeting again next Wednesday to finalize the competition calendars for boys soccer, girls swimming and volleyball.  Further guidance regarding these indoor facilities in Phase 4 is coming to schools next week.”

(updated 8-13-20 6:30pm)

Pop-up COVID-19 test site in Manchester results in 1 new local case

Many Manchester residents took the opportunity on Sunday, July 26 to get a COVID-19 test. As of this Monday all of the test results are reflected in the Health Department’s reported data. The Washtenaw Health Department reported only one positive case from a Manchester area* resident. Jimena Loveluck, health officer from the Washtenaw county health department stated, "We had just under 400 individuals come through for testing, which is a great turn out. The majority were from Washtenaw County, though some people came from Lenawee County also. We have five positive test results, which amounts to slightly over 1% positivity rate. This is below the Washtenaw County 7-day positivity average, which is good news. The health department has contacted all positive cases for its case investigation and contact tracing process."

*The local resident testing positive is a Bridgewater resident and does not live within the 48158 zipcode. The July 26th pop-up Covid-19 test site in Manchester resulted in NO new positive cases for the 48158 zipcode.

COVID-19 spreading through younger residents

The Wastenaw County Health Department released their 2-week snapshot of COVID-19 confirmed cases on Friday and 45% of the new positives cases were in residents under 30. This is also true statewide as in early June, 16% of all infections were among people under 30 years old. Since then, 40% of cases are people under 30. Bridge Magazine reports that at the state level, people ages 20-29 represent nearly a quarter of all cases in the last two months, up from 12% before June 5. And people under 20 make up 16% of infections in the last two months, up from 4% from March through June.

(updated 7-26-20 5:00pm)

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea adjusts COVID-19 testing hours

Beginning Saturday, July 25, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea will follow a new schedule for its COVID-19 testing site, located at 1515 Commerce Park Drive in Chelsea.  The testing site, which moved to the Commerce Park location earlier this month, is able to test community members exhibiting at least one symptom of COVID-19.  The updated testing schedule addresses a need to better meet the community's demand for COVID-19 testing by designating time blocks for local residents. The new community testing hours are: Monday through Wednesday: 1 to 4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m. to Noon; Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(updated 7-23-20 4:30pm)

Pop-up COVID-19 testing site coming to Manchester

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced this morning that they will be hosting a pop-up COVID-19 testing at Riverside Intermediate School in Manchester located at 710 East Main, Sunday, July 26, 12:00 – 6:00pm. This site will offer free tests. Anyone with or without symptoms can get tested. Symptoms include: fever higher than 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, severe tiredness/fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, runny nose/congestion, or decreased appetite. No appointments or prescription needed. Bring an ID card for faster processing. No one will be turned away for lack of insurance. You can drive-up or walk-up. Organizers ask that you please do not line up before the start time.

(updated 7-16-20 2:45pm)

Update on Washtenaw Health Department response to Saline outbreak

from Washtenaw County Health Department

Important clarifications about increases in local COVID cases: We shared information about social gatherings to help everyone understand that we are seeing cases related to social events - especially when people continue socializing or working after a known exposure to COVID. We encourage EVERYONE to cooperate with our contact tracers and to isolate or quarantine, if instructed to do so. AND, use face coverings, social distance and frequent hand cleaning when interacting with others. Please DON'T blame, threaten or interrogate individuals or businesses. Seriously. That's not helpful. Funny thing about public health, it's about all of us. Let's all do our best to slow the spread of illness together. Further, we DON'T identify individuals or private residences. When we say that we will provide information, if necessary, we are referring to public locations. This would ONLY happen if there were concerns of widespread, close contact from a known case (and we could not reach everyone individually).

(updated 7-13-20 5:00pm)

43 new cases linked to house party in Saline

The Washtenaw County Health Department on Monday confirmed an increase in local COVID-19 cases. The majority of new cases are among young people ages 15-25 years and can be connected to a large house party July 2 – July 3 in the Saline area, with additional events and workplace exposures occurring in the following days. To date, the Health Department has identified 43 cases and 66 exposed close contacts, not including family members in the immediate households of cases. A close contact is anyone who had face-to-face contact with an identified case for 15 minutes or more. Anyone who attended the initial event or knows they were exposed should self-quarantine and monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days. Seek immediate testing if any unusual symptoms appear. Remember a negative test done prior to 14 days does not eliminate the need to self-quarantine.

(updated 7-10-20 5:00pm)

Businesses must enforce wearing of face masks

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Michigan businesses to refuse entry to customers not wearing face masks, in an executive order issued Friday. The order, which goes into effect immediately for individuals and Monday for businesses, also requires Michigan residents to wear face masks outdoors if they cannot maintain six feet of distance from others. Face masks were already required in indoor public spaces such as retail stores, restaurants and bars by a previous executive order, but compliance by the public was inconsistent and enforcement virtually nonexistent. But with the daily count of new coronavirus cases tripling in the past month, Whitmer’s new order puts the onus of enforcement on businesses.

(updated 7-9-20 2:30pm)

Chelsea COVID-19 screening and testing site has moved

The St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea COVID-19 screening and testing site has moved. Beginning tomorrow, they will be located at 1515 Commerce Park Drive in Chelsea. COVID-19 testing at this site is for individuals with at least one COVID-19 symptom or those required to receive a test prior to a hospital procedure. Upon arrival at the new location, please park in the designated parking spaces and call 734-593-6367. You will receive instructions about when to enter the building.

(updated 7-1- 2020 9:30pm)

Bars in the Lower Peninsula must close indoor service, to-go cocktails now allowed

Indoor service at bars in most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula must close starting at 11 p.m. Wednesday. Restaurants that make more than 70 percent of their earnings through alcohol sales — traditional bars, nightclubs and strip clubs included — are required to cease indoor sales under the order. Bars are allowed to continue outdoor service, but must require people to wear masks until they’re seated and can only serve people at tables rather than at a bar top. All “common areas” used for dancing or other mingling must close. Mixed drinks can now be sold to-go in sealed containers. The order does not apply to the Upper Peninsula and most counties in northern Michigan.  Whitmer stated, "Following recent outbreaks tied to bars, I am taking this action today to slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe,” Whitmer said in a statement. “If we want to be in a strong position to reopen schools for in-person classroom instruction this fall, then we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made.”

(updated 6-14- 2020 1:30pm)

Washtenaw declares end to State of Emergency 

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners called a special meeting Friday morning to vote on a resolution ending the county’s declared state-of-emergency. The declaration comes about 10 days after Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s  "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order lifts, allowing larger gatherings and business and restaurants to open with limited capacity. Gregory Dill, County Administrator stated, “The ending of our declaration of a state-of-emergency allows our county departments to return to a more normal, though modified, state of operations. We will open more widely to the public on Monday, June 15^th. We’ve worked hard to put measures in place that will continue to keep the public and our employees safe.” The Board of Commissioners and all other county public meetings will continue to be held remotely through the end of June, in accordance with the governor’s Open Meetings Act exception order. Plans are in place to return to in-person once that order expires on June 30th.

(updated 6-07- 2020 5:45pm)

County operations to resume June 15

Washtenaw County Administrator Gregory Dill announced that the County is making plans to reopen on Monday, June 15. "Washtenaw County Departments continue to update their respective websites so residents are aware of modified, but available services. Whenever possible, staff are working remotely to respond to and meet the needs of their customers. Before visiting, members of the public are asked to check with the department to ensure their needs can be met via the modified service delivery plan."

(updated 6-05- 2020 4:00pm)

Salons to reopen June 15, gyms & theaters to follow soon

from State Representative Donna Lasinski

Starting June 10th, Regions 6 and 8 — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase 5 of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. Starting June 15th, personal services including hair, massages, and nails will reopen statewide. The governor spoke positively about our state's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and expects the entire state will advance to Phase 5 in the coming weeks. Phase 5 allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Phase 5 also allows indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people. In addition, outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500, which will allow for some outdoor graduation ceremonies.

(updated 6-03- 2020 3:45pm)

Virtual Manchester Township Meeting

from Danell Proctor, Manchester Township Clerk

Amid the corona virus crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-15 allowing local governments to hold meetings through remote access technology. The Township of Manchester regular meeting will be Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via telephone conference calling. To attend Manchester Township Board Meeting, the public may call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When Supervisor DeRossett announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keypad and then wait for Supervisor DeRossett to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 734-428-7090.

(updated 6-02- 2020 5pm)

Manchester District Library reopening plans:

from Kathleen Dimond, Manchester District Library Director

As of June 1st, we will be able to reopen on June 8th. As staff has not been allowed in the library since March 16th, we will take some time to prepare for our services to restart. We have new policies in place, and will be retraining our staff and making certain the building, and our materials are compliant with the new guidelines we need to adhere to. When we reopen to the public, we will offer Curbside service for the first phase, new hours (will be published soon), and working with limited staff, in accordance to the new guidelines, MDL will post the conditions of this new service as we move forward. We have missed our patrons, and look forward to serving you soon, and want us all to be safe and healthy.

Virtual Manchester Township Planning Commission Meeting

from Danell Proctor, Manchester Township Clerk

Amid the corona virus crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-15 allowing local governments to hold meetings through remote access technology.  The Township of Manchester Planning Commission meeting will be Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. via telephone conference calling.  To attend Manchester Township Planning Commission, the public may call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda.  When Chairman Mike Walter announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keypad and then wait for Chairman Walter to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 734-428-7090.

(updated 6-01-20 5:30pm)

Stay at Home order lifted, stores and restaurants okayed to reopen next week

from State Representative Donna Lasinski

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan will move to Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan and various industries will be able to safely re-engage. Effective immediately, groups of up to 100 people may gather outside while still practicing safe social distancing. Currently the limit was 10. Workers in office settings in which their work cannot be completed from home may return to work. Starting June 4, retailers – who other than in northern Michigan can only allow customers to shop in-person by appointment – may begin to reopen with capacity limits. Starting June 8, restaurants, bars and children's camps may begin to reopen with capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor restaurant service. Until now, only restaurants and bars in regions 6 and 8 in northern Michigan could be open to in-person dining. Theaters, gym/fitness centers, hair salons and barbers, spas, casinos and bowling alleys will remain closed due to the close contact of customers and workers.

(updated 5-28-20 4:45pm)

Secretary of State Offices reopening

from State Representative Donna Lasinski

Starting June 1, Secretary of State Offices will be open by appointment only for essential transactions not available online. All 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including: Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person, Title transfers, Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing and Seasonal commercial .vehicle renewal. Anyone scheduling an appointment will also be asked that you follow these safely precautions: Arrive at the appointment alone, Wear a mask or homemade face covering your mouth and nose, Wait in your vehicle or outside prior to your appointment time and maintaining six feet of distance, Follow directions on where to stand during your transaction, Cancel your appointment if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 within 14 days of your appointment and Adhere to CDC guidelines when in public.

(updated 5-21-20 6:00pm)

Small gatherings, non-essential doctors' visits now allowed in Michigan

Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing a revised executive order today to expand business openings. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer can begin immediately. Auto showrooms and retail by appointment can open on Tuesday, May 26, while non-essential medical, dental and veterinary services can begin on May 29. Another extension of the stay-at-home order, which first went into effect in late March and is currently set to expire on May 28, will also be likely, Whitmer said.

(updated 5-18-20 4:30pm)

Retail, restaurants, and offices to open in UP & northern Michigan this Friday

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92, allowing for the reopening, in two regions, of retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars with limited seating. The counties reopening include Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Emmet, Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa. The partial reopening will take effect on Friday, May 22.

Cities, villages, and townships may choose to take a more cautious course if they wish: the order does not abridge their authority to restrict the operations of restaurants or bars, including limiting such establishments to outdoor seating. All businesses that will reopen must adopt the safety measures outlined in Executive Order 2020-91. That means they must, among other things, provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. Restaurants and bars will also have to limit capacity to 50% of their normal seating, to keep groups at least six feet from one another, to require their servers to wear face coverings, and to follow rigorous disinfection protocols.

Michiganders tempted to travel to Northern Michigan to patronize restaurants, bars and shops should consider staying home if they live in a part of the state that has a high COVID-19 case count. Those who do travel north should bring their own groceries, stay away from public venues, and be mindful that you could possibly be infected.

(updated 5-11-20 5:45pm)

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea now offers a drive-up Covid-19 screening site

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea now offers a drive-up Covid-19 screening and testing site to members of the community experiencing symptoms and for patients who require a Covid-19 test before seeking treatment or undergoing a surgical procedure in the hospital. No physician order is required, however, members of the community must require care in the hospital or meet certain criteria to be tested. The screening and testing site is located in the White Oak Parking Lot, on the hospital's campus (775 S. Main St. in Chelsea).  The site is located near north hospital drive, just off of M52. The drive up Covid-19 screening site allows for individuals to be screened and tested without ever leaving their vehicles.  Symptoms that qualify for Covid-19 testing include any one of the following: Fever above 100 degrees / Chills, Cough, Shortness of breath, Sore throat, Diarrhea, Loss of taste or smell, and/or Muscle pain/aches in the last seven days. Screening and testing site hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to noon.

(updated 5-11-20 12:45pm)

Nonprofit Roundtable canceled

Due to the extension of the stay at home order, the upcoming Nonprofit Roundtable scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th has been cancelled

(updated 5-10-20 11:45pm)

Manchester Township holding virtual meeting May12th, public welcome to participate

submitted by Manchester Township

Amid the corona virus crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-15 allowing local governments to hold meetings through remote access technology.  The Township of Manchester regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via telephone conference calling. To attend Manchester Township Board Meeting, the public may call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda.  When Supervisor DeRossett announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keypad and then wait for Supervisor DeRossett to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 734-428-7090.

(updated 5-7-20 5:00pm)

Michigan’s stay-at-home order extended through May 28

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order today extending the state’s stay-at-home order two more weeks through May 28 and outlined a six-step economic re-engagement plan to reopen the state’s economy. Manufacturers will be allowed to resume production on Monday, May 11, with major auto manufacturers allowed to reopen a week later on May 18. Businesses will be required to abide by safety measures including daily coronavirus symptom screenings, barring visits from non-employees, staggering shifts to avoid crowding, establishing six-foot distance guidelines between workers and requiring masks for onsite workers.

As cases slow, the state is currently in the third phase of a six-step reopening process in which manufacturing, construction, real estate and outdoor work is allowed. The fourth phase will come when COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are clearly declining — which the state will hopefully enter “in short order,” Whitmer said. That is likely to allow people in other “lower-risk” businesses such as retail and offices to return to work with safety measures and reduced capacity. Small gatherings will also be allowed.  The fifth phase, in which outbreaks are quickly contained, will allow larger gatherings and most businesses to reopen with safety measures. That would include restaurants and bars reopening and in-person schooling and travel to resume. In the sixth phase, Michiganders can return to normal.

(updated 5-5-20 noon)

Manchester Township Planning Commission holding virtual meeting May 7th, public welcome to participate

Amid the coronavirus crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-15 allowing local governments to hold meetings through remote access technology.  The Township of Manchester Planning Commission meeting will be Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. via telephone conference calling. To attend the Manchester Township Planning Commission meeting, the public may call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda.  When Chairman Mike Walter announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keypad and then wait for Chairman Walter to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 734-428-7090.

(updated 5-3-20 7:00pm)

CDC expands COVID-19 symptoms list

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: cough and/or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or at least two of these symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness. This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Reminder: If you have any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or bluish lips or face. (This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.) Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

County Board of Commissioners to hear update on Covid-19 response efforts at May 7th Working Session Meeting

At their May 7, 2020 Working Session meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will receive updates from three essential departments on their respective Covid-19 Emergency response activities. Board meetings are virtual for the duration of the Governor Whitmer’s Stay-At-Home order and the Board invites the public to attend via Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/434521782). Meetings begin at 6:30pm and the public is always welcome to comment on topics relevant to the Board.

(updated 4-30-20 5:15pm)

Manchester Township sets up wifi outside Township office

The Manchester Township office has installed outside internet access for Township residents. They ask that ONLY the rear, paved parking lot be used to not interfere with the fire department use of the front and side of the building. Township Treasurer Laurie Carey stated, "While we make this available to the public we want everyone to remember to use social distancing standards currently being used."

(updated 4-27-20 4:45pm)

Positive test numbers still not reflecting mild cases

from the Washtenaw County Health Department

COVID-19 testing is still limited, and currently testing is not capturing milder cases of illness in our community. Testing also remains unavailable to individuals that do not fit the priorities defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Testing criteria in Michigan now includes individuals with mild symptoms and essential workers still reporting to work in person, with or without symptoms, when resources and capacity allow. But local health care providers continue to report shortages of the supplies needed to complete tests.

(updated 4-24-20 4:45pm)

Michigan’s stay-at-home order extended through May 15

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended Michigan’s stay-at-home order through May 15 but eased some rules on business and recreation amid Republican pressure to rein in the coronavirus lockdown. Whitmer’s new executive order authorizes what she called “lower-risk” businesses like landscapers and plant nurseries to resume operations, and it allows residents to return to outdoor activities like motor boating, golf and travel between residences. Beginning Monday, the new order will require residents to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces such as grocery stores if they can medically tolerate it, but those who do not won’t be subject to misdemeanor criminal penalties otherwise in place for willful violations of the order.

(updated 4-16-20 4:45pm)

Manchester High School sets up wifi in parking lot

Manchester Community Schools announced today that they have set up free onsite wifi in the High School parking lot. They ask that you please not park in the bus loop and that you abide by social distancing rules. They stated that Sharon Township Hall is another wifi access point. The Manchester District Library also provides free wifi that can be accessed from their parking lot.

(updated 4-15-20 6:30pm)

Manchester Township holding telephone conference special meeting on essential services April 18th, public welcome to participate

Amid the corona virus crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-15 allowing local governments to hold meetings through remote access technology. The Township of Manchester will be holding a Special Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the Executive Order 2020-42 regarding essential services, via telephone conference calling. To attend Manchester Township Board Meeting, the public may call 313-209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When Supervisor DeRossett announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on you phone’s keypad and then wait for Supervisor DeRossett to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Township at 734-428-7090.

(updated 4-13-20 noon)

Manchester Township holding telephone conference meeting April 14th, public welcome to participate

The Township of Manchester will be holding their regular board meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via telephone conference calling. To attend the Manchester Township Board Meeting, the public may call 313- 209-3070 and use access code 558390. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When Supervisor DeRossett announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on you phone’s keypad and then wait for Supervisor DeRossett to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact them at 734-428-7090.

(updated 4-12-20 5:30pm)

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor offering curbside COVID-19 screening without physician's order

The Curbside COVID Screening Area at the St. Joseph Mercy campus in Ann Arbor now offers COVID-19 screening to the general public. Individuals can be tested if they meet the CDC and State of Michigan testing criteria. Testing criteria includes patients that are considered high risk and present with a fever above 100 degrees AND a cough (lasting less than six weeks), OR shortness of breath. A physician's order is NOT required for screening.

WHEN: Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week
WHERE: Screening Area is located at the Outpatient Surgery Center entrance on the campus of St. Joe's Ann Arbor (5360 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti, MI)
HOW: Drive through screening – People can stay in their vehicles.
WHO: Open to the public, no prescreen or appointment is necessary.

Questions, please call the hospital's COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-247-1258.

(updated 4-9-20 5:00pm)

Governor Whitmer Extends, Expands “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order through April 30th

Today, Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-42, extending her prior “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through the end of April. As with the prior order, Executive Order 2020-42 limits gatherings and travel and requires all workers who are not necessary to sustain or protect life to stay home. Executive Order 2020-42 also imposes more stringent limitations on stores to reduce foot traffic, slow the spread of the coronavirus, and save lives.

“Michigan has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing. We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” said Governor Whitmer. “Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up. When we do, we can save lives and shorten the amount of time we’re working through this crisis, which will be good for our families and good for our economy in the long-run. We can also protect critical infrastructure workers like doctors, nurses, grocery store employees, and child care workers. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that people stay home and stay safe.” 

“It’s clear that staying home is the most effective way we can slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “This aggressive action will help us protect more people and ease the strain on our health care system.” 

Executive Order 2020-42 prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes, unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations. Businesses and operations are to designate the workers who meet those criteria, and must adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers and patrons in the performance of that in-person work. 

Workers who are necessary to sustain or protect life include those in health care and public health, law enforcement and public safety, grocery store workers, and more. For a full list of these critical infrastructure workers, click the link to Executive Order 2020-42 at the bottom of this page. To enable these critical workers to get to their workplaces, automobile dealerships will now be allowed to open for remote sales, though showrooms must remain closed. 

Under the new order, all public and private gatherings among persons outside a single household remain temporarily prohibited. Though Michiganders may leave the house to get groceries or needed supplies, the new order encourages people to limit the number of household members running errands to the maximum extent possible. As before, people may engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, or any other recreational activity, consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside a person’s household and with other restrictions imposed by prior executive orders. The order clarifies, however, that travel for vacations or for any other purpose is prohibited.

A new section of the order imposes restrictions on stores in an effort to reduce crowds. Large stores must limit the number of people in the store at one time to no more than 4 customers for every 1,000 square feet of customer floor space; small stores must limit capacity to 25% of the total occupancy limits (including employees) under the fire codes. To regulate entry, stores must establish lines with markings for patrons to enable them to stand at least six feet apart from one another while waiting. Large stores must also close areas of the store that are dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries, or paint. 

“This doesn’t mean everything will go back to normal on May 1,” Gov. Whitmer continued. “But based on the data we have right now, this is the appropriate window for an extension. It will take time to safely and responsibly re-open the economy, which is why we will continue to provide critical unemployment support and assistance to our small businesses during this challenging time. We will get through this if we all continue to do our part.” 

All individuals who leave their home or place of residence must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household. 

(updated 4-7-20 5:30pm)

County reporting Manchester area has 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19

Washtenaw County Health Department has been refining its method of sharing COVID-19 data broken down by zip code and know shows case percentage by map as well as actual numbers of cases in addition to percentages. They are reporting 5 cases for 48158.

The information is available on the Health Department’s website and will be updated daily.

(updated 4-3-20 5:30pm)

Access to all village parks equipment and pavilions temporarily closed

Effective today April 3^rd, 2020, The Village of Manchester has made the decision to close access to our parks pavilions and play structures until further notice. Also, at this time we will not be accepting parks reservation applications. We are hopeful that theses measures will help to reduce spreading the COVID-19 virus by removing some of the temptation to gather. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep us all safe.

Village of Manchester to hold virtual meeting Monday, April 6. Public welcome to participate.

Amid the coronavirus crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-15 allowing local governments to hold meetings through remote access technology. The Village of Manchester regular meetings will be held the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm via telephone conference calling until the Executive Order expires.

To attend Village Council meetings, the public may call 313-209-3070 and use the access code 559491. Comments from the public will be taken during the “Public Participation” portion of the agenda. When President Vailliencourt announces “Public Participation” please dial 5* on your phone’s keypad and then wait for President Vailliencourt to call your name or the last four digits of the phone number of the phone you called in on.

The agenda can be found on the Village website- www.vil-manchester.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office at 734 428 7877.

(updated 4-2-20 5:30pm)

Manchester has at least 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19

Due to the number of confirmed cases in the county, Washtenaw County Health Department is now able to share COVID-19 data broken down by zip code and race. In addition to demonstrating the disproportionate impact the virus is having on people of color and low-income individuals in the county, the data shows that as of April 2, at least 6 Manchester residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

The information is available on the Health Department’s website and will be updated daily.

In-person K-12 schooling suspended for remainder of school year

(from Bridge article by Ron French)

This morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ended the classroom school year for more than 1.5 million Michigan students, in the latest attempt to curb a pandemic that has brought much of the nation to a standstill.

The order shutters public and private K-12 classrooms through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Between now and June, schools are to provide remote learning for students who, along with many of their parents, have for now been asked to stay in their homes.

That remote learning likely will look different from district to district — schools are required to develop their own remote leaning plans and plans must be approved through a school’s intermediate school district. For example, some school districts may ramp up online learning, while others, with students who do not have Internet access in their homes, may rely primarily on printed materials.

Whether that learning will be graded, or is optional for students, will be left up to local school districts, under the order.

Most students will be promoted to their next grade level and high school seniors will earn diplomas just as in normal years, according to the order.

State funding for schools will continue through the end of the school budget year (June 30), and school employees including teachers will continue to receive their paychecks.

(updated 3-31-20 4:00pm)

Dr. Eccles opens Manchester Family Medicine to non-patients for minor illness and injuries

Due to the current emergency and the difficulty people may be experiencing, Dr. Eccles is opening her office to see ANYONE for minor illnesses and injuries.

The office states, "It is extremely important to stay out of the emergency rooms and urgent cares to free them up for Covid-19 care and evaluations. We understand your regular doctor may not be available or it involves a large clinic setting at a distance with increased risk of exposure. Dr. Eccles is also willing to do some home based care for home-bound elderly or immuno-supressed people who are at much higher risk of contracting the virus if they leave home. We will be spreading out appointments to avoid contact and will take people during regular office hours and would appreciate a call first: 428-8381. We will work with your insurance company and provide a summary of care for your regular provider. Routine medication refills can probably wait until you can safely see your regular provider or they can be phoned in until you are seen."

They are NOT set up to test for COVID-19 and will refer you elsewhere after phone screening if necessary.

If you have questions please call the office at 428-8381.

(updated 3-27-20 5:00pm)

Update Related to Law Enforcement Response to Governors ‘Stay Home’ Order

From the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office:

Following the announcement of the Governors “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, we have received many questions related to how citizens can report a business or individual that is violating the order. Originally, you may have been directed to the Attorney General’s office. However, due to the overwhelming response we are now asking residents to contact your local dispatch center through 9-1-1.

While all aspects of the executive order are to be followed and law enforcement is interested in violations, we are asking callers to be mindful of the limited law enforcement resources available to respond to all calls for service. We ask that you focus on behaviors that pose serious risk to public safety and that may exacerbate community spread.

This morning, the public safety leaders from each agency within Washtenaw County met to discuss and align our response protocols.

• Upon calling 9-1-1, dispatch will relay the complaint to your local police agency
• Each agency will determine the severity of the violation and respond appropriately
• Our initial response will focus on education in order to gain compliance with the order
• Our intent is not to arrest, but appropriate action will be taken if necessary

As a reminder, the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order went into effect on Tuesday, March 24th.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has clarified activities that you can and cannot do under the Executive order.
YOU CAN:

• Go to the grocery store or pick up take-out food.
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up a needed prescription.
• Engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, biking.
• Go to the hospital or secure any care necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve your health or the health of a loved one.
• Fill your car with gas.
• Return to Michigan to a home or place of residence from outside the State.
•  Leave the State for a home or residence elsewhere.
• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian for needed medical care.

YOU MAY NOT:

• Leave home to work unless your employer designates you as a critical infrastructure worker.
• Participate in any public gatherings.
• Visit someone in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facilities (with limited exceptions). 
• Go to the mall or to dine-in restaurants. 

Additionally, the Washtenaw County Health Department has issued emergency orders requiring essential service providers and businesses, including childcare centers, to use recommended screening and social distancing to protect everyone’s health to the greatest degree possible. Only those operations deemed critical under the Governor’s “Stay Home Stay Safe” order or directly serving essential workers remain open. 

The Washtenaw order takes effect March 26, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. and requires all essential services and businesses to take the following actions to protect their workers and the entire community. 

• Work remotely whenever possible. 
• Screen everyone. Check employees for fever or other symptoms if they will enter facilities or buildings. 
• Maintain 6 feet of distance between people whenever possible. 
• Emphasize frequent and proper hand washing. Make sure sinks are well supplied. 
• Do not share space or equipment. If this is not possible, have employees wash their hands before and after using shared equipment. Clean and sanitize equipment between uses. 
• Any employee with cold symptoms or underlying health conditions should stay home or work remotely. 

The orders must be posted at facility entrances. There is an order for businesses and entities remaining open, as well as a separate order for childcare centers remaining open. 

(updated 3-26-20 2:30pm)

Critical service providers, businesses must use screening, social distancing to limit potential spread

Washtenaw County Health Department is issuing emergency orders requiring essential service providers and businesses, including childcare centers, to use recommended screening and social distancing to protect everyone’s health to the greatest degree possible. Only those operations deemed critical under the Governor’s “Stay Home Stay Safe” order or directly serving essential workers remain open.

“We are at a very critical point in our COVID-19 response,” said Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County Health Officer. “We need to work together to provide only those services and functions that are absolutely necessary and do so as safely as possible. We must limit the potential spread of illness at every single opportunity. No exceptions. This means screening, distance and extra cleaning at any open facility. For everyone else, we’re counting on you to stay home.”

The Washtenaw order takes effect March 26, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. and requires all essential services and businesses to take the following actions to protect their workers and the entire community.

• Screen everyone. Check employees for fever or other symptoms if they will enter facilities or buildings.
• Maintain 6 feet of distance between people whenever possible.
• Emphasize frequent and proper hand washing. Make sure sinks are well supplied.
• Work remotely whenever possible.
• Do not share space or equipment. If this is not possible, have employees wash their hands before and after using shared equipment. Clean and sanitize equipment between uses.
• Any employee with cold symptoms or underlying health conditions should stay home or work remotely.

The orders must be posted at facility entrances. There is an order for businesses and entities remaining open, as well as a separate order for childcare centers remaining open.

The Health Department is working to provide guidance and support as quickly as possible. This document is available and can answer many initial questions: Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace. Direct additional and urgent questions to 734-544-6700 or l-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org.

(updated 3-24-20 6:30am)

Update from the Village of Manchester

In light of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order today, the temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, Village of Manchester employees will be working. Water, wastewater treatment, public works and their support staff are employees defined as critical infrastructure workers.

While the Village Hall door is locked to ensure social distancing, we will continue to work in the office. We will continue to answer the phone (734-428-7877) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and make every effort to maintain Village services. We have provided a drop box just outside the main doors for payments and other documents. We will also conduct business through email and encourage the use of our website www.vil-manchester.org as a resource. The Washtenaw County Sheriff Department will continue to provide necessary police protection to the Village as contracted.

If any emergency arises, please call 911 as usual.

Governor Whitmer Signs “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store. 

Effective at 12:01 am on March 24, 2020, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their home or place of residence under very limited circumstances, and they must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when they do so, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

“In just 13 days, we’ve gone from 0 to over 1,000 COVID-19 cases,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.”

“Taking aggressive action to protect our communities is the most important thing we can do to mitigate further spread of COVID-19,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “If we do this now, we can make sure our hospitals and healthcare workers are prepared to take care of the sickest people. It is crucial that people do the right thing by staying home and staying safe.”

Executive Order 2020-21 prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes, unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations. Businesses and operations are to designate the workers that meet those criteria, and must adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers and patrons in the performance of that necessary in-person work.

Workers that are necessary to sustain or protect life include those in health care and public health, law enforcement and public safety, grocery store workers, and more. For a full list of these critical infrastructure workers, click the link to Executive Order 2020-21 at the bottom of this page.

Additionally, under Executive Order 2020-21, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons outside a single household are temporarily prohibited. People may leave the house to perform for limited, necessary purposes, and may engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity, consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside a person’s household and with other restrictions imposed by prior executive orders.

Michigan is currently in the top five states in the nation in number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Several governors across the country have taken similar steps to protect their communities from the spread of COVID-19, including governors Mike DeWine (R-OH), Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), Tom Wolf (D-PA), Gavin Newsom (D-CA), John Bel Edwards (D-LA), Phil Murphy (D-NJ), and Ned Lamont (D-CT).

(updated 3-22-20 5:30 pm)

Washtenaw County Health Department Reports Local COVID-19 Death

Washtenaw County Health Department is reporting the first local death attributed to COVID-19. The individual was an elderly, adult male with underlying health conditions. He was hospitalized yesterday and passed away today at Michigan Medicine.

“Our condolences go out to the family who have lost their loved one,” said Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County Health Officer. “While we know there are no words that can lessen this family’s grief and our community’s loss and fears, his death is an urgent reminder to all of us. We must act now and act together to protect everyone’s health to the greatest degree possible.”

(updated 3-22-20 2:30 pm)

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Evictions

On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-19, which allows tenants and mobile home owners to remain in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic even if they are unable to stay current on their rent. The order also relieves courts from certain statutory restrictions to enable them to stay eviction-related proceedings until after the COVID-19 emergency has passed. The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until April 17 at 11:59 p.m. 

“Families across the state are facing a number of uncertainties, from concerns about their health and well-being and that of their loved ones to when their next paycheck will arrive. Worrying about whether they’ll be evicted from their home, apartment or mobile home should not be on this list,” Governor Whitmer said. “This executive order will ease a burden on families struggling to make ends meet and allow them to focus on what’s most important — staying safe and healthy.” 

(updated 3-19-20 1:30 pm)

Health Department: Washtenaw County experiencing community spread

Washtenaw County Health Department is reporting seven additional presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of March 19, 2020 at 10:00 am. The total case count is now 14, doubling our previous total.

There is evidence of community spread locally. Five of the new cases had no known contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or recent travel. The other two cases had recent history of domestic travel. All cases are in adults. Washtenaw County Health Department has been working with the individuals to identify and notify close contacts.

“Evidence of community spread means we will change how we respond to local cases, especially as the number of tests increases every day,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County Health Officer. “But, we must remember this is exactly why we have community mitigation strategies and unprecedented restrictions in place. Our collective goal remains to slow the spread of cases as much as possible. Together, we can do this. Take every possible opportunity to practice prevention and social distancing.”

Because there is evidence of community spread, the Washtenaw County Health Department is no longer naming public low-risk exposure locations. Residents can assume there is a possibility the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community. The Health Department is not announcing evidence of community spread to cause panic, but to reinforce that people should be taking all recommended prevention measures.

“Assume the possibility for infection exists, as it does with many common illnesses. Most people will recover at home without medical care,” says Juan Luis Marquez MD, MPH, Medical Director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “Isolating at home if you’re sick and contacting your health care provider by phone for guidance will help prevent additional spread and make the best possible use of critical health care resources.”

(updated 3-18-20 5:00 pm)

Update from Manchester Community Schools

From Manchester Community Schools Superintendent Kevin Upton:

The unprecedented emergency school closure in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health crisis has created many areas of uncertainty for the nation's school communities. Please be aware of the information below as we continue to move forward. Understand that this situation is fluid and therefore our state of preparedness is ever changing. Visit the district COVID-19 Updates page for additional information.

● Students that need food are being fed. Thank you to our amazing food service team! More information can be found here: http://bit.ly/feedmcs

● All buildings are being deep cleaned. Thank you to our wonderful facilities and maintenance team!

● At this point in time, students are not required to remotely complete the curriculum. Chromebooks and online courses will remain active and students can continue working. This action aligns with our peers and with the guidance of the educational authorities. There are some useful parent/guardian resources for K-12 enrichments activities posted on the MCS district COVID-19 Updates webpage.

● It is illegal to provide anything less than equitable access to education for all children in our district. All of the children within our community do not have access to the internet at home. We have been informed that if our schools provide virtual instruction, the district is responsible for ensuring that all students have internet access. Therefore, any work completed, until further notice, will be considered as 'engagement' or ‘enrichment’ activities.

● Students with disabilities must be treated the same as their general education peers to the maximum extent possible, including access to virtual or distance instruction. If schools elect to continue instruction remotely, they must take steps to ensure that students with disabilities receive that instruction in a manner consistent with current or amended IEPs, including, as necessary, the provision of any related services.

● The State of Michigan has requested a federal waiver to eliminate the requirement for the 2020 state standardized assessments. Our school leadership team is crafting a Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) that will help to address the litany of issues we will continue to face while implementing a remote learning environment. The future holds many uncertainties for our nation's school systems and the respective calendar of events. However, I am certain that our community will continue to protect and educate all of the children we serve. Please take care and be well.

(updated 3-18-20 11:00 am)

From CRC: expanded unemployment and scams

From Manchester Community Resource Center:

Unemployment relief has been extended to many workers affected by COVID-19. Unemployment Benefits – Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/UIA  or 1-866-500-0017.

From Manchester Community Resource Center:

We have had several reports of clients with government-issued cell phones receiving calls regarding their benefits. The calls instruct them to either press 1 to continue receiving benefits, use their benefits by the end of the day, and in some instances, asking them to enter/verify personal information.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is committed to keeping your private information safe. The department will never contact you utilizing robocalls. In the case that you receive this type of call you should hang up immediately and never provide your private information under any circumstance.  If you question the validity of a call, you may reach out to your MDHHS worker to confirm.

(updated 3-16-20 5:00 pm)

Plan for feeding all MCS students during school shutdown

Manchester Community Schools superintendent Kevin Upton released the school's plan for feeding students during the school closure. The schools, working with Chartwells Food Service, will be providing "to go" meals available for pick-up in the High School bus loop on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. These meals are intended for any child 18 years of age or younger - this includes children that are younger than 5 years old, and any child with special needs up to 26 years old. You do not need to qualify for free and reduced meals to receive the emergency school closure meals free of charge.

To request meals for your child or children, fill out this form as soon as possible.

Meals will be distributed as bag meals for the days outlined above. For families who have food allergies, special dietary needs or cannot make it to the pick-up location for food please call 734-428-9711 Ext. 1120 or email schoolclosuremeals@mcs.k12.mi.us and arrangements will be made.

(updated 3-16-20 1 pm)

State closes restaurants and bars to all but carry-out and delivery 

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-9, which temporarily closes theaters, bars, and casinos, and limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders.

Under Executive Order 2020-9, effective Monday, March 16 at 3:00pm, the following places of public accommodation will be closed; restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, bars, taverns, brewpubs, distilleries, clubs, movie theaters, indoor and outdoor performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas, and casinos.

This order does not restrict a place of business from offering food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service. Places of public accommodation are encouraged to do so and use precautions to mitigate potential transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing. Restaurants may allow five people inside at a time to pick up orders, so long as they stay six feet apart from each other.

These restrictions do not apply to the following locations: office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, and providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.

Order restrictions will remain in place until Monday, March 30 at 11:59 pm.

(updated 3-15-20 11 pm)

County Health Department orders restaurants and bars to cut maximum occupancy

The Washtenaw County Health Officer has issued an emergency order to reduce the number of people crowding into local bars, restaurants or entertainment venues. Venues must cut their maximum occupancy by half starting Monday, March 16, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. and continuing through April 5, 2020. Under the Michigan Public Health Code, MCL 333.2453, the Health Officer has the authority to take action to protect the public’s health and prevent the spread of disease.

(updated 3-15-20 2:15 pm)

Governor prohibits gatherings of 250 people or more

From the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office: The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners are asking residents to do their part in helping slow the spread of the Coronavirus by following the executive order recently announced by Governor Gretchen delivery. The order prohibits gatherings of 250 people or more and recommends that you cancel events with more than 100 people in a shared space. It also recommends that you cancel gatherings of more than 10 people where individuals at higher risk of severe illness are involved.

We are not looking for social isolation, but we are asking for social distancing. Those who disregard the order could be subject to a misdemeanor that includes up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $200. More importantly, violation of the order puts us all at significant risk. If needed, the Washtenaw County Health Officer can issue additional, local orders prohibiting gatherings where necessary.

(updated 3-14-20 10:00 pm)

State launches COVID-19 hotline

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the launch of a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) starting this morning at 9am. Public health and other experts will answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents, providers and more to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments. The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm at 1-888-535-6136. Staff cannot provide individual clinical advice or a diagnosis through the hotline. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are symptomatic, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.

(updated 3-13-20 9:00 pm)

MCS works on solution to feed students during cancelation

Manchester Community Schools interim superintendent Kevin Upton reported meal options for students will begin starting next week. He stated, "Planning is still ongoing with our leadership team and the government health authorities."

(From 3-13-20 10:00 am)

Governor declares state of emergency

The detection of COVID-19 in Michigan Tuesday night led Governor Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency; calling for community mitigation strategies to go into effect including canceling events with more than 100 people in attendance (or 10 people if the attendees are high risk), limiting work travel and in-person meetings, and telecommuting when possible.

Manchester Community Schools to close for 3 weeks

Thursday evening, Manchester Community Schools announced that they, along with other Washtenaw schools, would be closing beginning Monday, March 16th, until after spring break (April 6), making Manchester one of the first districts in Michigan to make this call. It was followed by the State of Michigan announcing the closure of all K-12 schools in the state for three weeks beginning Monday.

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The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available here.

• Clean your hands often. Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider. Learn what to do if you are sick. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. View additional prevention steps from CDC for people at higher risk. Consult with your health care provider for more steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.