The infection rate for the Covid-19 virus in Michigan continues to decline and Wayland schools has announced a plan for students to re-enter the classrooms four and five days per week, but Allegan County’s death toll now is just one shy of 100.
As of last September the county had reported just six Coronavirus deaths, the figure steadily rose to 50 just before the Christmas holiday and then continued to rise until this past week. The death was 96 five days ago.
Wayland Union Schools this week reported five cases of students and staff testing positive for Covid, two from the high school, one at the middle school and one at Dorr Elementary. The faculty member was at the high school. All have been quarantined in accordance with policy.
Michigan has done better than most of the nation in Covid stats over the past several weeks, and the Allegan County Health Department has begun to relax some of its restrictions. Throughout Michigan, restaurants can open for 25 percent of capacity starting Monday, Feb. 1
The total number of cases is now at 6,811, with 5,662 reported as recovered and 169 hospitalized.
Meanwhile, in an update on Covid-19 vaccinations, the Health Department said Thursday it had enough vaccine supply to host three vaccine clinics for those 65 years of age and older, health care workers, first responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre-K through 12 teachers and workers in child care centers and protective services in the week of Jan. 10-16..
Those who live or work in Allegan County and are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should sign up through the “I Want the COVID-19 Vaccine” form on www.allegancounty.org/covid. Once they are signed up, they will receive an e-mail from ACHD about when they can schedule an appointment.
An ACHD spokesperson said, “Due to the overwhelming response and limited vaccine availability, eligible individuals may not receive an email for three to four weeks. If individuals need confirmation that they are on the registry, please e-mail covidvaccine@allegancounty.org.