COVID-19
Update

May 2, 2020

This newsletter will be available in multiple languages on accesskent.com/Health/coronavirus.htm as soon as it is translated.
Today's Video Update
In today's video , Dr. Adam London talks about how our collective efforts are helping to mitigate the spread of the virus in the community and the importance of wearing cloth masks in public places. Also, he encourages you to send us any questions your children may have about this pandemic.

The Spanish version of this video will be available on YouTube as soon as it is translated.
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Kent County Data  (as of May 2, 2020)

  • Positive Cases: 1,697
  • Deaths: 36
Kent County and State of Michigan Dashboards

Our online data dashboard has been updated to include COVID-19 positive cases by zip code and recovered cases. To view our dashboard, click here. Also, the State of Michigan has an online dashboard listing the cumulative total of recovered COVID-19 patients, cases in long-term care facilities, number of hospitalized patients, etc.
Contact Tracing Volunteers Needed

We are currently seeking contact tracing volunteers to work with our staff. Contact tracing is an important part of mitigating the community spread of the virus and in supporting patients with a suspected or confirmed infection. In contact tracing, our staff and trained volunteers work with each patient to help them recall everyone they have had close contact with during the time-frame they may have been infectious. Public health staff or volunteers then notify the exposed individuals (contacts) of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible. For more information, contact Pamela Brown.
Child Care Relief Fund

A new Child Care Relief Fund has been established to help child care providers cover operating costs during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The goal of the program is to financially assist child care providers and make child care more affordable for families.

Grant funding for licensed providers, tribal providers, and disaster relief child care providers is available in April, May, and June by applying monthly for the funding. These grants are not competitive, meaning if you submit a completed application and are eligible, you will receive funding.

License exempt providers are eligible for a one-time payment of $550 by completing an application. The grant application can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have general questions about COVID-19 or if it is safe to grocery shop? If so, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website to find these answers and much more!
Visit our website for additional information and resources.
Michigan Executive Orders

Restrictions on Places of Public Accommodation Extended to May 28, 2020
Executive Order 2020-69  extends Gov. Whitmer's previous order that temporarily closes certain places of public accommodation such as theaters, bars, casinos, and more. To maintain social distancing guidelines, the Order also limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders.

Emergency and State of Disaster Declaration Through May 28, 2020
Executive Order 2020-68 declares a state of emergency and a state of disaster across the State of Michigan under the Emergency Management Act of 1976. The state of emergency and state of disaster declared by this Order will be effective through May 28, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. The Governor will evaluate the continuing need for the Order prior to its expiration and then decide whether to terminate the states of emergency and disaster if the threat or danger has passed. 

Homemade Face Coverings in Public
Due to Executive Order 2020-59 , a ll residents are required to wear homemade face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces as long as individuals can medically tolerate to wear one. Sara Simmonds, Director of Environmental Health, Kent County Health Department demonstrates, how to make a cloth face mask at home. Click here to watch the video in English and here for Spanish.
Mental Health Services

Network 180, Forest View Psychiatric Hospital, and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services are available 24/7 to help those struggling with mental health or substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help begins by picking up the phone:

  • Network180: (616) 336-3909
  • Forest View: (800) 949-8439
  • Pine Rest: (800) 678-5500 or (616) 455-9200
Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Tel: (616) 632-7100
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