Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates
The City wants to make sure our residents and businesses are informed, so we will continue to provide updates to our website, and refresh the links from the Federal, State, and County governments/agencies, while also giving you the ability to get your questions answered and take care of City business that you might have. We encourage residents and businesses to visit this page, the other resources listed at the bottom of this page, the City’s website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter ) for additional information, as well as signing up for emergency alerts.
LAST UPDATED : October 3, 2021
2021 State of the City COVID-19 Safety Measures:
Health & Safety
The below guidelines reflect the current regulations and recommendations and are subject to change before the 2021 State of the City event at the Rochester Community House on October 6, 2021.
To prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and COVID variants, we recommend that all guests who are not fully vaccinated wear masks, with the exception of when they are eating or drinking. After eating and/or drinking, those guests not fully vaccinated should once again wear a mask. (Masks will be available, if you are not fully vaccinated.) Of course, any guest can wear a mask if they so desire.
FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
August 25, 2021
Contact: Press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Readying the State’s Vaccine Response to Deliver Booster Shots, Prioritizing Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today, in preparation for the Biden Administration to begin offering booster shots to all vaccinated residents on September 20, issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to begin preparing the state’s vaccine response to administer booster doses to Michiganders. The governor specifically directs the state of Michigan to prioritize booster doses beginning with residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and adult foster care.
“Last year, we built the largest vaccine program in our state’s history in record time to ensure that anyone who wanted a vaccine could get one,” said Governor Whitmer. “With booster doses on the horizon, we are reactivating our close partnerships with local health departments and pharmacies to get shots in arms as quickly as possible. We know that this virus still disproportionately affects older Michiganders, which is why I’m also prioritizing booster shots for residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Let’s continue to put the health and safety of Michiganders first, so we can keep our economic jumpstart moving full speed ahead.”
On August 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Surgeon General, and Food and Drug Administration announced their conclusion that booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be needed to maximize the protection that the vaccines provide against the virus. The Biden Administration plans to begin offering booster shots beginning September 20, 2021 to all Americans whose second dose was at least 8 months prior.
“The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be incredibly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “Many vaccines, not just COVID vaccines, are associated with a reduction in protection over time, and the FDA, CDC and U.S. Surgeon General have determined that additional vaccine doses could be needed to provide long lasting protection against the virus. These booster doses are an opportunity to stay ahead of the virus and its variants, and protect Michiganders from COVID-19.”
Beginning September 20, the state will offer booster shots to residents who received their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at least eight months prior. Michigan has an ample supply of the COVID-19 vaccine to meet the projected demand.
“Vaccine providers across the state are actively preparing to administer booster shots to Michiganders once once ACIP makes its recommendation,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Available data shows a decrease in protection over time and a booster dose may be needed to better fight the virus, especially as it continues to evolve into more aggressive variants. For those who have not received their first dose, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. The vaccine remains our best protection against the virus and it is the way we are going to end the pandemic together.”
Under an executive order signed by Governor Whitmer on August 13, the state of Michigan has been working to expedite delivery of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to residents who have compromised immune systems. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who have received organ or stem cell transplants, have advanced or untreated HIV infection, or are in active treatment for cancer or taking high-dose corticosteroids. The state began administering third doses to eligible Michiganders on Saturday, August 14.
“We are pleased Michigan is putting an action plan in place to administer booster shots,” said Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan. “It certainly makes sense to start in long term care facilities, where the most vulnerable Michiganders reside. With the increasing impact of the Delta variant, we need to do everything we can to prioritize and protect residents in nursing homes.”
“The MLTCOP appreciates the Governor prioritizing the nursing home population for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot,” said Salli Pung, State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. “Residents should be given the choice to accept the booster as they did the initial COVID vaccine.”
“We greatly appreciate that the Whitmer Administration is prioritizing residents of long-term care facilities in planning for booster shots,” said Robert Stein, General Counsel, Michigan Assisted Living Association. “This decision reflects prudent public policy to support the health and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Michigan.”
“We are grateful that the Governor is prioritizing the most vulnerable Michigan residents with this directive, and we encourage the state to also focus on patients receiving in-home care,” said John Grib, President, Michigan Home and Community Services Network.
Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
COVID-19 vaccine locations can be found at Vaccines.gov.
To view the full executive directive, click the link below:
UPDATE: On April 29, 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer set the state of Michigan on a pathway to return to normal by unveiling the 'MI Vacc to Normal' plan as the state continues to push toward its goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders ages 16 years or older. To facilitate this goal, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will base future epidemic order actions on four vaccination-based milestones that, once achieved, will enable Michigan to take a step toward normalcy. (See graphic below)
"The MI Vacc to Normal challenge outlines steps we can take to emerge from this pandemic as we hit our vaccination targets together," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "On our path to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders 16 and up, we can take steps to gradually get back to normal while keeping people safe. If you haven't already, I encourage you to rise to the challenge and be a part of the solution so we can continue our economic recovery and have the summer we all crave."
Since Governor Whitmer asked Michiganders to double down on smart public health policies on April 9, Michigan has made significant progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. The number of daily cases has dropped from 649.9 cases per million to 439.3 cases per million, the percent of positive tests has declined from 18.3% to 13.2%, and the number hospitalizations has fallen from 3,780 to 3,520. To read the entire press release, please click here.
UPDATE: On April 29, 2021, the City extended a limited State of Emergency. This allows the City to continue to have remote/virtual meetings through the month of May. Please click here for a copy of the declaration.
UPDATE: On April 1, 2021, the City declared a limited State of Emergency. This allows the City to continue to have remote/virtual meetings through the month of April. Click here for a copy of the declaration.
UPDATE: On April 5, 2021, Michigan residents 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for details. Appointments to receive the coronavirus vaccine are being coordinated by the Oakland County Health Division. Appointments are available based on the vaccine supply the County receives from the State of Michigan. The supply will continually increase in the weeks and months ahead until everyone is able to receive a vaccine. Vaccines may not be recommended for children.
The Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) is following Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for prioritization of distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to individuals.
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Information
To register for text and/or email updates on COVID-19 vaccine appointment information:
- To receive the Oakland County COVID-19 Vaccination Newsletter, register your email address at www.oaklandcountyvaccine.com or text OAKGOV COVID to 468311.
- The Oakland County Health & Human Services Resource hotline number is 1-800-848-5533.
- Vaccines may also be offered by hospitals or, eventually, through pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, or RiteAid. Those organizations will establish their own protocols for scheduling appointments and administering the vaccine.
- Here are links to some of the health systems in our area that are administering the vaccine:
Online Resources:
- Visit the Oakland County Vaccine Hub at: https://oaklandcountyvaccine.com/
- Vaccine updates from the State of Michigan are available at: Coronavirus - COVID-19 Vaccine
- The State of Michigan Coronavirus Dashboard offers the latest information on the number of vaccines shipped, the number of vaccines distributed and more. Coronavirus - COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
If You Have An Appointment:
- Bring a driver's license or photo identification with current address. Work or student identification may also be required at your appointment.
- Wear a short sleeve shirt or shirt with a sleeve that can be rolled to the top of your arm.
As needed, the City will send out messages through our alerting software.
- Messages will be sent by text message, email, and/or a voice call, depending on the importance. The message concludes with a link that directs residents, businesses, and others within the City’s geo-fence to go to a specific page (currently this page) on the City’s website.
- If an urgent message needs to be sent, this same system will be used, and additional directions will be provided within the call.
- If you missed the call, and you want to hear the recording, call (248) 963-0751.
- Sign-up here to receive messages from the City or text "Join ReadyRochester" to 30890.
The City Hall and other City buildings are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Although City Hall and Public Works Campus have limited open hours, the public, residents, businesses, and contractors, can get many of your City related questions answered by calling City Hall at (248) 733-3700. Please leave a voicemail message, with your name, phone number, the reason you called, and a staff member will return your call.
- City Council and other meetings will continue to take place virtually. Details on how to participate by following link rochestermi.org/virtual
- Finance questions can be answered by sending an email to: info@rochestermi.org
- Many fees, including parking tickets and water bills can also be paid online. The credit card processing fee has been waived through April 30, 2020. Residents can also take advantage of the Drop-Box on the Northeast parking lot at City Hall.
- Water bill payments can be made online through the City’s website or via the following direct link: https://payments.g2gcloud.com/Rochester If residents are unsure of their owed balance, please call (248) 733-3700 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Resources from the CDC, State, and County:
The City of Rochester is continuing to monitor news sources and agency updates from the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Oakland County Health Department for the latest information and guidance.
- CDC COVID-19 Information
- State of Michigan COVID-19 Information
- Oakland County COVID-19 Information
- File for unemployment benefits between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Filing online remains the fastest way for Michiganders to apply for unemployment benefits at Michigan.gov/UIA.
- Guidelines for using indoor/outdoor spaces:
Plan, prepare, and respond to the Coronavirus Disease with the CDC’s “Resources for Households”.
Decisions about the implementation of community measures will continue to be made by City, County, and State officials, in consultation with Federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of COVID-19. Implementation will require extensive community engagement, with ongoing and transparent public health communications.
Consider Donating:
The Greater Rochester Community Foundation
The Rochester Area Neighborhood House