City Council prohibits lines downtown on St. Patrick’s Day – Hope O’Dell

In preparation for St. Patrick’s Day, the East Lansing City Council passed an order for bars, restaurants and other places of business to prohibit lines of entry. The order is to prevent crowds from gathering in the Downtown Development Authority district. The ordinance begins March 17 at 12:01 a.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m. the following day. The ordinance states that crowds no larger than 15 are only allowed in the downtown area. Those who violate the City Council’s order face a civil infraction and a fine of up to $25.

Last Thursday Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail issued an order limiting outdoor gatherings in specific parts of EL to 15 people too. Those who choose to violate the county’s health order could receive a misdemeanor and the possibility of municipal civil infraction ticket, punishable by a $500 fine under a City of East Lansing ordinance.

Ingham County continue cases trending downward, concern over St. Patrick’s Day celebrations – Staff reports

Ingham County’s Health Officer Linda Vail is concerned the county’s case decrease trend may spring upward once the St. Patrick’s Day celebration arrives.

According to Vail the county is behind in vaccine distribution, with 85% of total vaccines administered. Due to a substantial recent shipment of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the county is still determining how to best distribute to clinics. So far 49,534 residents in Ingham County have received their first dosage of the vaccine.

Gov. Whitmer acknowledges anniversary of COVID-19 in Michigan, provides updates on vaccine rollout – Sophia Kalakailo

March 10 signified a year since Michigan’s first COVID-19 case. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appeared in a press conference to give an update on Michigan’s progress since then.

The press conference touched on how the state is in a ‘slight reversal’ regarding the spread of the virus.

During the last three weeks there has been an increase to 114 cases per million. The positivity testing rate has increased to 4.1% from 3.4% in the three and a half week span. Michigan is also seeing an increase in hospitalizations, 4% of inpatients beds are being used to be treat COVID-19 patients.

With over 500 cases of the more easily transmitted variant B.1.1.7 in Michigan, Vaccination eligibility is set to expand for ages 50 and older with underlying conditions and disabilities effective March 8. Starting March 22, anyone ages 50 and older will be eligible.

Script: Chandra Fleming