The Health Department changed its quarantine guidelines for people exposed to coronavirus to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols. Effective April 30, 2021, the new guidance shortens the quarantine period for exposed people from 14 days to 10 days under certain scenarios. Anyone currently in a 14-day quarantine period can reduce it to 10 days effective immediately.

If a potentially exposed individual develops symptoms during the 10-days, they should seek testing and self-isolate while awaiting results. Additionally, potentially exposed individuals should adhere to mitigation strategies after exiting self-quarantine such as mask use, social distancing, hygiene practices, etc.

Individuals exposed to a variant strain of COVID should quarantine for the full 14 days. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the health department are not adopting the CDC’s option to reduce quarantine to seven days with a negative COVID-19 test.

A 10-day quarantine period does not apply to those residing in congregate living settings or who work with individuals in high-risk groups.

Isolation requirements for individuals with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test did not change.

After a safety review of reported rare adverse events which involve blood clots with low platelets in a small number of people (called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia or TTS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.

The CDC, FDA, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services authorized the continuation of the J&J vaccine administration and will monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. However, women younger than 50 years of age should be aware of the rare but increased risk of this adverse event and, if possible, consider seeking the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine options (mRNA) for which this risk has not been seen.

The use of the J&J vaccine will be an important factor in getting residents of our County vaccinated where administering the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) is difficult.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidance on mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals. people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear a mask outdoors while walking, running, hiking or biking alone, or when in small gatherings, including with members of their own households. Masks are still necessary in crowded outdoor venues like sports stadiums. read more about interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people here.

Governor Whitmer recently announced a path to return to normal by unveiling the ‘MI Vacc to Normal’ plan as the state continues to push toward its goal of vaccinating 70% of residents ages 16 years or older. To facilitate this goal, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will base future epidemic order actions on four vaccination-based milestones that, once achieved, will enable Michigan to take a step toward normalcy. 

In fact, 38.2% of eligible County residents are now fully vaccinated and another 14.3% are partially vaccinated.

Click here to see the hours of operation and to schedule your appointment or call 2-1-1.

As part of our effort to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination in the region, we have a large-scale vaccination clinic in downtown Grand Rapids. To date, the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic has administered more than 200,000 doses of vaccine (and counting).

While there are appointments available at this clinic, we understand you may have questions on where to park, how to navigate the facility, etc. The attached video will answer all of these questions and more!

Watch the video and then click here to schedule your appointment at this clinic.