With some Michigan counties and school districts mandating masks as students return to the classroom this fall, will St. Clair County follow suit? Medical Health Officer Dr. Annette Mercatante says the health department is going to try to not issue public health directives regarding masks unless they are absolutely necessary. Speaking to our Paul Miller, Dr. Mercatante says she’s been in discussion with local and neighboring county officials about masks and says the amount of cases will determine if orders are issued or not.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with leadership in Macomb and the Thumb, as well as our own elected leadership,” said Mercatante. “I think everybody understands that… schools are becoming riskier… the real question is what is the threshold, how many students getting sick is enough?”
Dr. Mercatante tells WPHM she encourages mask wearing especially in crowded indoor areas such as classrooms and also made a plea for more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In St. Clair County, about 73,000 people or 52.7 % of those 12 or older received at least one dose of the vaccine. In Sanilac County, it’s 46% and Lapeer County 49%. There will be a free vaccination event put on by the health department Friday from 10am to 2pm in the northeast corner of the Menards parking lot in Port Huron Township. Preregistration is not required and the shot will be available to those 12 and over.
