April 22, 2022
ALPENA — In a long-awaited soft opening on Thursday, the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center joyously welcomed a select group of guests for the first time in over two years. These visitors represent the initial wave of what is typically around 100,000 tourists that flock to the center annually, eager to explore the region’s rich maritime history and cultural exhibits.
ALPENA — COVID-19 cases have risen again in Northeast Michigan after a brief lull, but public health officials said they remain cautiously optimistic, expecting neither a sharp spike in infections nor an increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Public health officials this week reported 61 newly infected individuals, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue practices that can mitigate spread.
ALPENA — There’s no going back to normal, residents and officials say firmly. Two years after health officials first reported a confirmed case of COVID-19 within Northeast Michigan, the pandemic has left indelible marks on the lives and livelihoods of residents. Since the area’s initial encounter with the virus, community members have had to adapt, leading to profound changes in daily routines, social interactions, and economic stability.
ALPENA — While the virus has hit other parts of Michigan harder, it’s taken a greater toll in Northeast Michigan, a News analysis of state data shows. Two years after the first Northeast Michiganders contracted COVID-19 on April 6, 2020, the virus has infected roughly 8,500 residents, raising concerns among health officials about the long-term impact on community health and resources.
ALPENA — MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena continues to accept new patients, despite high occupancy rates, hospital President Chuck Sherwin said in an email to The News. The hospital hit 100% occupancy last week, according to the state’s weekly patient census, indicating that local healthcare facilities are under unprecedented pressure, necessitating creative solutions to care for the community.
ALPENA — Northeast Michiganders now face a low risk of coronavirus infection, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The CDC’s Friday downgrade of the region’s risk level means the federal health agency only recommends facemasks for those with symptoms of coronavirus or who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, signaling a potential shift toward a more manageable phase of the pandemic.
**Interview with Jane Doe, Director of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jane. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center has recently reopened its doors after more than two years. How has the response been so far?
**Jane Doe:** Thank you for having me! The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We welcomed a select group of guests during our soft opening, and their excitement was palpable. Many of them expressed how eager they were to return and explore the maritime history and cultural exhibits we have to offer.
**Editor:** That’s wonderful to hear! Aside from the pandemic setbacks, what can visitors expect when they come to the center?
**Jane Doe:** Visitors can expect to see a rich display of our maritime heritage, including exhibits on shipwrecks, traditional boat-building techniques, and the important role that the Great Lakes played in commerce and navigation. We also provide access to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where guests can explore shipwrecks both above and beneath the waves of Lake Huron.
**Editor:** Speaking of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, how can visitors experience the shipwrecks?
**Jane Doe:** Access to the sanctuary shipwrecks is not restricted, so visitors can easily arrange for diving tours or glass-bottom boat experiences to view these historical sites. It’s an incredible way to see and learn about the rich maritime history right beneath the surface.
**Editor:** It sounds like a fascinating experience! With the rise in COVID-19 cases in Northeast Michigan, what precautions are you taking to ensure the safety of your guests?
**Jane Doe:** We are closely monitoring the situation and have implemented health protocols such as sanitization stations, social distancing measures, and capacity limits to ensure that our guests feel safe during their visit. While cases have increased, we remain cautiously optimistic about the situation.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jane, for sharing these insights. We wish you success as the center welcomes back more visitors!
**Jane Doe:** Thank you! We’re excited to reconnect with our community and share the wonders of the Great Lakes with everyone.
