PLEASE NOTE: This archived blog post from March 2020 is no longer being updated with new information. Contact or go to the resource agencies directly to find out the most current information.
Please see the State of Michigan’s Coronavirus resource page to get the latest on the virus from them: https://www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus You can also check out your local health department for current efforts.
Here are some resources and information for residents having to do with Covid-19. Please note that, things are changing in a matter of hours so be on the lookout for the latest updates from the sources listed:
If you have any trouble using the tabs to the right, just scroll down for the information.
Stay Home, Stay Safe Order has been issued from the Governor - Executive Order 2020-21:
Stay at Home Order - Goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24 and will last for three weeks, ending April 13. Violation of the order is punishable by a misdemeanor.
Trusted Sources of information on Coronavirus updates:
Center for Disease Control
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
State Of Michigan
Website: http://michigan.gov/Coronavirus
Kent County Health Department
Website: Kent County Health Department Facebook: Kent County Health Department-Facebook
John Hopkins University
Website: https://hub.jhu.edu/novel-coronavirus-information/
Please avoid spreading information that does not have a trusted source, misinformation can hurt more than it can help.
To avoid scams be careful about donating to fundraisers at this time. Please follow these safety tips from the Federal Trade Commission when considering donating to an entity: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
How to Avoid the spread of coronavirus:
Anyone who has illness accompanied by fever—regardless of their travels—is asked to refrain from going to any communal area where they could spread illness to others. A person should have a normal temperature for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before resuming a regular schedule.
It is especially important we all take seriously the advice of public health experts for maximizing our own health and the health of others:
Wash your hands frequently
Cough/sneeze into your elbow
Get this season’s flu shot if you haven’t already
Masks are not encouraged for people to wear, as there is no evidence to suggest that they protect healthy people. This aligns with current CDC and WHO guidance.
Public health experts encourage social distancing, a practice designed to keep sick individuals from coming in contact with healthy ones in order to limit opportunities for transmission. Avoid large gatherings and crowds, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others.
If you are sick, please stay home.
This prevention information is available at the CDC website here: CDC Workplace, School and Home Guidance
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services - COVID-19 General Fact Sheet-English, COVID-19 General Fact Sheet-Spanish
It should be noted the life of the virus is between 4 to 72 hours on surfaces it is on. Please check the EPA website for approved cleaners:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf
If you want to see an interesting article on social distancing, check this one out with simulations of social distancing from the Washington Post: Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially and how to "flatten the curve"
Do you have health-related questions about covid-19:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about COVID-19. The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888.535.6136
Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids is offering free telescreenings for coronavirus for anyone in the state. Anyone in Michigan who has symptoms can call the Spectrum Health COVID-19 hotline at 616.391.2380 to schedule a screening and get instructions on how to download the Spectrum Health Now app.
Mental Health During Quarrentine
Where to find food or other assistance:
Residents:
Call 211 for any assistance in obtaining food or other needs during this time.
Understand that due to heavy call volume, there will be wait times, but 211 will remain operational as normal.
Places Giving Assistance:
Kids Food Basket will remain operational at this time and working with partners to provide current and possible additional services during this time. Check out Kids Food Basket-Emergency Response to learn more: Kids Food Basket-Emergency Response On Facebook: Kids Food Basket on Facebook
Meals on Wheels will continue to deliver meals as normal for the time being. They are looking at putting together 14 meal boxes for their clients if needed.
Senior Neighbors has closed the Heartside/Downtown location, but will still be providing boxed meals for their clients to pick up.
At this time, other Senior Neighbors locations will remain open, but may have changes in the services provided.
Senior Food Pantry is still open and patrons will be allowed double the amount of normal
Grab and Go Meal Sites: All public schools food service mangers were having discussions on how to handle the food needs of students and donation of current foods in stock to avoid food waste. It has been recommended that all schools implement their “summer school meal programs” but in a modified form to allow to be eaten off site.
Grand Rapids Public Schools now has meal sites for “Grab N Go” Lunches for kids under 18 and is not limited to GRPS students. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only from 11:30am to 12:30pm. To learn more about it and where the meal sites are, go to: Grand Rapids Public Schools
Acts Gospel Ministries will have grab and go meals Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30-1:00 at 950 Twelfth St NW (Updated 3/26/2020)
Feeding America will remain open and working with partners to allow all mobile pantry’s available with a few modifications as possible. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feedingwestmich/
Kent District Libraries will be closed starting Saturday, March 14. There are in discussions to be available as curbside food pickup locations as needed. Also, looking at ways to provide their summer “Meet Up, Eat Up” program during this time as a box lunch program.
God’s Kitchen (Updated 3/17/2020) Grab-and-go meals are being served through their back door, the dining area is closed.
Mel Trotter will remain open, and provide breakfast and dinner to their clients. They will be making minor changes to some meals ( such as no salad bar) to avoid chance of cross contamination. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meltrotterministries/
DeGage Ministries (Updated 3/17/2020)The Dining Room and regular meal service will be closed to the public. Free to-go meals will be served from 8:00-9:45AM and 6:00-7:00PM, 7 days per week. See more details at the links. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DegageMinistries/ NEW Updates on their website: DeGage Program Hours
Westminster Food Pantry will still operated and are currently discussing best practices for service to their clients. Also looking at best practices for other community services at this time. Their Website: http://westminstergr.org/food-pantry
Community Food Club (Updated 3/17/2020) as of March 17, the Community Food Club storefront space will be closed. Members are free to call in food orders at 616-288-5550, which will then be brought outside to each member. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communityfoodclub/
Northwest Food Pantry Updated 3/17/2020 - Signs will be posted on the front door. At this time, next week they will be open Monday 10:00-12:30, open Wednesday 10:00-12:30. Neighbors will be asked to stand outside in line, bring your proof of address (current piece of mail or current utility bill) and food will be handed out. No one will be allowed inside the building under any circumstances. Thank you for your patience with their amazing volunteers. Follow them on Facebook for more updates on their schedule at: https://www.facebook.com/northwestfoodpantry/
Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth - Will be offering take-out dinners and snacks at each of our three Club locations Monday-Friday from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. This service will be available to any kids and families that need it. Locations:
Steil Club - 235 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Paul I. Phillips Club - 726 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Seidman Club - 139 Crofton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Go to: https://bgcgrandrapids.org/donations/meals/ to learn more. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGCGrandRapids/
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids - The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids will offer free lunch and dinner sacks for children in need in partnership with Kid's Food Basket during the statewide school closure. Any child age 0-18 can get meal sacks on weekdays beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, through April 3, 2020.
Grab-and-Go Meal Sacks will be offered at the following locations from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm:
Miss. Tracey’s Market: 1043 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Madison Square Church: 1441 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
La Casa de la Cobija: 2355 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
New City Kids: 960 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
David D. Hunting YMCA: 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
A parent or guardian may pick up sack meals for all children in the household. Date may be subject to change pending the COVID-19 crisis. The meals will be served “grab-and-go style” in parking lots or open spaces outside on the property. The Y may open additional sites if needed, or alter locations based on demand. Website: https://www.grymca.org/coronavirus-community-support-action On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMCAGR/
Stores
Meijer is offering special hours for Seniors and those who are immune compromised. Go here to learn more: Meijer Newsroom-New Store Hours and Dedicated Shopping Times
NOTE: Meijer hours include Bridge Street Market
Schools:
West Catholic High School - West Catholic High School- Alerts Page (for cancellations and more)
Grand Rapids Public Schools - GRPS Coronavirus Response Includes resources, District Communications and Frequently Asked Questions. (Updated 4/2/2020)
Additional Learning Opportunities for Kids
Scholastic - Scholastic Learn at Home - Free Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. The site has daily courses for students from Pre-kindergarten to grades 6 and higher. The courses provide approximately three hours of learning per day, including writing and research projects, virtual field trips, and geography challenges. The website is accessible on any device that has internet and no sign up is required. It will remain free and open indefinitely
The Spanish Experiment - https://www.thespanishexperiment.com/stories Well-known children's stories translated into Spanish and spoken by a native Spanish speaker. Great for kids... and adults too! Read along in Spanish or English.
MI Science Center - MI Science Center on Facebook MiSci is launching ECHO Live! They will be conducting some exciting, large-scale science demonstrations daily from the ECHO Distance Learning Studio. Anyone with an internet-connected device can tune in and participate in these engaging, programs. Join them as they broadcast LIVE form MiSci every weekday at 2:30 p.m.!
Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/ Free Daily schedules for students ages 2-18 & remote learning resources to keep them learning. Khan Academy is and always will be free for learners, parents, and teachers.
NASA At Home - NASA At Home Activities, virtual tours, e-books, podcasts and more for families! (Added 4/3/2020)
Utility Companies:
Comcast, Charter Spectrum, and AT&T are offering free internet during this period of closure. To learn more about these options, please contact them directly at:
Comcast - www.internetessentials.com or call (855) 846-8376
Charter Spectrum - (844) 488-8395
AT&T - www.att.com or call (855) 220-5211
Comcast - https://www.facebook.com/comcast/posts/2559977200917254
Consumers Energy - Consumers issued a statement on their Facebook page about steps they are taking: https://www.facebook.com/ConsumersEnergyMichigan/posts/10156861277876044
DTE Energy - DTE has made a couple of different statements on their Facebook page about steps they are taking: https://www.facebook.com/dteenergy/posts/10157955551736465
Contact these companies if you have any questions.
For Those Who Want To Volunteer To Help:
We have some wonderful community members who have been asking how they can help. There are many places right now that do need your help.
2-1-1 is suggesting anyone who wants to volunteer or do in-kind donations should connect with United Way at: https://www.hwmuw.org/volunteer
There are A LOT of places that need help with response and resources to COVID-19, be it delivering food, talking to people, in-kind donations, etc.
Donating safely:
To avoid scams be careful about donating to fundraisers at this time. Please follow these safety tips from the Federal Trade Commission when considering donating to an entity: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
Want to Donate to help keep our Service Providers stocked?
Heart of West Michigan-United Way - Heart of West Michigan-United Way have created a COVID-19 Response Fund. United Way is matching up to $50,000 in donations. The fund will support the nonprofits who are serving vulnerable populations in our area during this time. Go to: COVID-19 Response Fund
Price Gouging:
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-8, which temporarily imposes enhanced restrictions on the excessive pricing of goods, materials, emergency supplies, and consumer food items.
Executive Order 2020-8 states that if a business or individual has acquired any product from a retailer, the business or individual must not resell that product in Michigan at a price that is grossly in excess of the purchase price of the product. Additionally, a business or individual must not offer for sale or sell any product in Michigan at a price that is more than 20 percent higher than what the business or individual offered or charged for that product as of March 9, 2020, unless the business or individual demonstrates that the price increase is attributable to an increase in the cost of bringing the product to market.
Residents can report price gouging by calling 877-765-8388 or filing an online complaint at www.michigan.gov/agcomplaints
Grand Rapids Police Department:
The GRPD is asking people not to call 911 about social distancing to help keep those lines free for emergencies.
GRPD to focus on 'most egregious' noncompliance reports - https://www.woodtv.com/health/coronavirus/grpd-to-focus-on-most-egregious-noncompliance-reports/ (Via WOODTV)
AG: Compliance calls should go to local police - https://www.woodtv.com/health/coronavirus/ag-compliance-calls-should-go-to-local-police/ (Via WOODTV)
The Grand Rapids Police Department remains fully operational in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. We would like to reassure the community that the department continues to provide all essential public safety services to our residents and visitors. We are dedicated to the health and safety of all, including our personnel.
In the event you require police services, here are some things you can do to help us out and minimize exposure:
• Advise the 911 operator of anyone in the home with symptoms or who are quarantined.
• Meet the officers outside of your home and maintain the recommended 6 feet of distance.
• Check out our website at https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Services/Report-a-Crime for information on how to report incidents online or by phone.
Follow us on Facebook and sign up for NIXLE alerts to receive the latest updates; https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/…/Grand-Rapids-Community-Aler…
We can handle anything by working together!
#TeamGR
^^^^^^^^^^^^
El Departamento de Policía de Grand Rapids sigue en funcionamiento de la situación COVID-19. Nos gustaría asegurarle a la comunidad que el departamento continúa todos los servicios esenciales de seguridad pública a nuestros residentes y visitantes. Estamos dedicados a la salud y seguridad de todos, incluido nuestro personal.
En caso de que necesite servicios policiales, aquí hay algunas cosas que puede hacer para ayudarnos y minimizar el contagio:
• Avise el operador/a del 911 de que si alguna persona en el hogar tiene síntomas o que esté en cuarentena.
• Favor de salirse afuera de su hogar para cuando llegan los oficiales y mantenga la distancia recomendada de 6 pies.
• Visite nuestro sitio web en https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Services/Report-a-Crime para obtener información sobre cómo informar incidentes en línea o por teléfono.
Síganos en Facebook y regístrese para recibir alertas de NIXLE para recibir las últimas actualizaciones; https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/…/Grand-Rapids-Community-Aler…
¡Podemos manejar cualquier cosa trabajando juntos!
#TeamGR
City of Grand Rapids:
City Activities and Events Updates
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home/Announcements/City-Events-and-Activities-Updates/City-Updates
for Agencies:
This section is for agencies or service providers who connect with residents and serve them.
Any agencies that have changes or updates to their services during this time should contact 211 via email to make sure they have correct and most current information:
Sherri Vaainquicz. Svainaquicz@hwmuw.org
John Mitchell jmitchell@hwmuw.org
Wende Randall wrandal@hwmuw.org
To assist with making sure that that all of our population is getting timely information from agencies, please see the following:
Rapid Growth Media story - LatinxGR offers resource, encourages volunteer translation for non-English speakers amidst COVID-19