UPDATED: Health Department announces discounts for certain food establishments; vaccine supply limited

HANCOCK -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) this week announced some good news for food establishments that have consistently complied with Michigan’s Epidemic Orders. At the same time, WUPHD thanks the public for their patience as vaccine supplies trickle in.

Annual fee discount offered for compliant food establishments

At it’s regular Board of Health meeting on Monday, January 25, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) voted in a one-time annual license fee discount for food service establishments that have consistently complied with Michigan’s Epidemic Orders. The twenty-five percent discount will apply to local annual inspection fees only and not the state license fee.

"The Board wanted to recognize the facilities in our jurisdiction that have worked hard over the last few months to help keep our communities safe," said Kate Beer, Health Officer for WUPHD. "The discount will be available for certain establishments renewing their license during the current year, typically by April 30."

The agency is currently working on the details of the new discount policy and will have information available for eligible facilities when renewal notices are mailed. WUPHD licenses over 400 food establishments across the five-county region -- which includes Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties.

Click here for more information on WUPHD's Food Protection Program.

COVID-19 vaccine supply continues to trickle in

WUPHD extends gratitude to the public for their patience as the COVID-19 vaccination process continues to evolve.

The vaccine supply coming to the area continues to be very limited at this time. The forecast from the state is that this pattern may continue for the next several weeks as the state wrestles with low shipments from the federal government and the need to make sure that vaccine is distributed equitably across the state.

"We have started administering second doses of the vaccine that were received from the state this week," said Kate Beer, Health Officer for WUPHD. "Some first doses were received, but they have already been scheduled out as we continue to work through the Phase 1B priority groups."

Residents are encouraged to watch for additional announcements regarding vaccine clinic availability from the health department and other healthcare providers.

Michigan is currently in Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination effort. Phase 1B includes residents age 65 and older; frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff; and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers. The overall strategy is to have residents 65 and older reach out to the health department or their healthcare provider to schedule a vaccination. Frontline essential workers should reach out to their employer for additional information, as WUPHD expects to work directly with employers to coordinate clinics for their workers.

For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.wupdhd.org, michigan.gov/coronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Editor's  UPDATE:

Joshua Vissers of Late Edition posted a detailed article Sunday, Jan. 31, on the present situation of vaccines in the local area, including an interview with Kate Beer, Health Officer for WUPHD. See his article, "Vaccine progress stalling," and other articles of local interest.