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Could the covid-19 pandemic be an opportunity? Michigan Tech University students are taking of advantage of an opportunity to learn.
Kinesiology Professor and MTU Covid Town Hall host, Steven Elmer challenged students in that field to create a resource hub from trusted sources. The project benefited people on and off campus. Especially as families and students prepare for traveling during the holiday.
Over the course of the last two years, there has not only a pandemic, but a info-demic, Hawke said.
Information about the virus changes as scientists learn more. There has also been dis-information spreading over social media. She said that with the guidance of her professors like Elmer and Professor Kelly Kamm, the students have brought safety tips and resources together all in one place for local residents.
It’s recommended that those who plan to travel for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays follow MTU’s four W’s for safely navigating the pandemic; those are: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance in public and Walk or engage in physical activity.
The group of students also suggest getting tested prior to departing for your destination, and getting a test when you arrive. The Western UP Health Department is setting up testing sites at their 821 Water St location and at 303 Baraga Ave. in L’Anse. The 821 water St. location is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. The 303 Baraga Location will only be open on Mondays From 10 am to 3 pm.
In the previous three Covid reports from the health department from December 1st, 8th, and 15th. The five county region recorded 283, 266, and 216 cases respectively. The trend of Covid case counts has been going down during the month of December after a fall spike in cases. Though with the emergence of the Omicron variant and the ever changing knowledge of the new strain in the recent week, taking precautions for the holidays can help the community resist further spread throughout the region.
According an NPR article written early this morning, in newly released figures from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the Omicron variant is now the dominant strain around the country, accounting for 73.8% of cases. And this morning Governor Whitmer held the first Covid briefing since June. Suggesting the public wear a face covering indoors and in outdoor crowded settings for anyone over the age of two. Yesterday the Michigan state health department reported 13,999 new cases and 160 deaths in three days. The state is showing precaution at the moment with a hospital system that is already over strained and coming off the recent Delta spike during the previous few months.
MTU Outreach and Resources for Covid
