Trick or Treating Safety Reminders and Pumpkin Promenade Fun

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Trick-or-Treating hours are 6 – 8 p.m. on October 31. Please remember the following safety tips.

Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.

Guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

At the end of September, the CDC provided this Halloween guidance:

Trick-or-treat outside, in small groups.
Avoid crowded, large indoor Halloween parties.
Mask up.
Social distance.
Properly wash hands.

Refer to the www.cdc.gov website for updates.

Pumpkin Promenade to Provide Happy Haunting

The Pumpkin Promenade is scheduled for Friday, October 29 from 4-6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Children 12 years and under are invited to dress in their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat outside of downtown businesses, and enjoy kid-friendly outdoor activities at Town Center.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Adopts Resolution in Support of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order Regarding Face Masks

On October 12, 2020 the Mt. Pleasant City Commission adopted a resolution in support of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order regarding the wearing of face masks due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This new virus strain is an easily transferable respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and it is caused by a new strain of virus that has not previously been identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person. There has recently been an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Isabella County.

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING FACE COVERINGS

WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and it is caused by a new strain of virus that has not previously been identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person; and

WHEREAS, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon has issued an emergency order to slow the spread of the virus including, but not limited to, requiring face coverings in public places and in certain instances outdoors; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance to the public and employers to slow the spread of the virus including, but not limited to, encouraging individuals to wear face coverings and practice social distancing; and

WHEREAS, there have been 677 confirmed cases within Isabella County as of October 5, 2020; and WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes the importance and effectiveness of face coverings in helping to slow the spread of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to assist in returning to economic stability, which can more likely be obtained if businesses can stay open and gradually return to full capacity, and understands that this may be dependent on slowing the spread of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to do what it can to keep residents, visitors, business owners and front-line workers safe; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission previously passed a resolution supporting the face coverings order by Governor Whitmer; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission emphasizes the personal responsibility of each individual to wear a face covering and believes doing so reflects a sign of respect for neighbors, front line and essential workers, and all residents and visitors

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to provide leadership and support to implement the wearing of face coverings; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of Mount Pleasant as follows:

1. The City Commission supports Director Gordon’s Emergency Order requiring wearing of face coverings in any indoor public space and when outdoors and unable to maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of the same household.

2. Individuals are encouraged to implement their personal responsibility by wearing face coverings as required to help keep others safe both in public places and as appropriate outdoors and to eliminate putting businesses and law enforcement in the position of enforcing the standards.

3. Businesses are encouraged to do their part in implementing the requirements so that customers feel safe that the expected protocols are in place.

4. In the rare instances where law enforcement is called upon for enforcement, the City Commission supports the approach of educating first and attempting to get voluntary compliance. Using law enforcement discretion, in instances where personal responsibility and voluntary compliance cannot be achieved and the law enforcement staff feels that enforcement is the best option in the circumstances, enforcement that is deemed necessary will be supported.

Important Health and Safety Trick-or-Treating Information

Halloween is not a City sanctioned event, but a national holiday known for its popular trick-or-treating activity on October 31. The City establishes a specific time frame (6-8 p.m.) for trick-or-treating, to safely coordinate foot and vehicular traffic patterns.

Due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating as high-risk activities. The CDC urges individuals to participate in lower risk activities such as virtual Halloween costume contests or celebrations with individuals within your same household. For a complete list of lower-risk celebrations visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween

Trick-or-treating is a personal choice for both trick-or-treaters and residents. If you do decide to participate in this activity, only go to households with the porch light on and follow these CDC safety measures:

•A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.

•Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has also outlined safety protocols for trick-or-treating. https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/Halloween_Guidance_703282_7.pdf

Please also keep in mind the Central Michigan District Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Order which limits outdoor group sizes to 25 people or less within the City of Mt. Pleasant and Union Township.

As always, individuals should continue to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and follow gathering guidelines.

In addition to COVID-19 safety protocols, trick-or-treaters should follow these standard safety tips:

• Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
• Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.

Updates from health officials will be provided if they become available.

Stay the course. Wear a face mask.

In addition to continuing our social distancing practices of keeping a 6 ft. physical distance between ourselves and others, all individuals 2 years of age or older, who can medically tolerate it, must wear a cloth face mask. This mask must cover their nose and mouth when out in enclosed public spaces which includes stores and workplaces. Surgical and N95 masks must be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. Thank you for doing your part to beat COVID-19.

For more information regarding the use of face masks visit:

• Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-70

http://www.michigan.gov/whitmer

• CDC Face mask FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Notice to Hannah’s Bark Park Members

We hope you and yours are in good health during this fight against COVID-19. We understand the importance of exercise and fresh air for you and your pets – especially under our current circumstances. However, the health and safety of the public, and the dog park membership, is always our priority.

In order to protect the health and safety of our members, and following the guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (see link below), the decision has been made to close the dog park beginning Saturday, May 2, 2020 until further notice. At this time, we are uncertain as to when the park will resume operation, but we will continue to monitor the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and share any updates.

Membership fees may be extended for the period of the park closure, or you may request a refund for the number of months not used due to the park’s closure. Questions regarding refunds can be sent to Ryan Longoria at rlongoria@mt-pleasant.org

Please note that Mission Creek Park and all other City parks and trails remain open, although park restroom facilities and the Island Park Skate Park are closed. While enjoying these park offerings please practice social distancing and keep dogs on their leashes, in accordance with park rules.

For detailed information from the CDC related to best practices for pets and their owners during the current pandemic, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times. We very much look forward to seeing you and your dogs at the park in the near future.

Sincerely,

City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department

Vaping on the rise among teens

MT. PLEASANT, MI – Over the past several months the Mt. Pleasant Police Department has been closely monitoring the use and accessibility of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), e-juice (vaping liquids) and other nicotine products among middle and high school students. After conducting compliance checks at several tobacco retailers within the City of Mt. Pleasant, three local businesses were cited for Selling Tobacco Products to a Minor (anyone under the age of 18.)

What are e-cigarettes/vape pens?

E-cigarettes or vape pens, have become very popular among middle and high school aged students. They are sold in many different shapes and sizes and resemble a thumb drive, cell phone battery charger or make-up containers, which makes it difficult for parents to identify.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes e-cigarettes as: A product which allows a user to inhale aerosol containing nicotine and other substances, and at times, marihuana. E-cigarettes are composed of a rechargeable, battery-operated heat element, a cartridge that contains nicotine, and other flavored chemicals (e-juice/vape juice), and an atomizer. When heated, the device converts the contents of the cartridge into an aerosol which is often flavored. The fruity and candy-flavored vape juice is most popular among adolescents.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 78 percent increase in vaping by high school students, with 3.6 million high school and middle school students now using e-cigarettes.

Vaping misconceptions and health warnings

There are misconceptions that vaping is not dangerous or addictive. The Surgeon General has reported that the use of vape pens, which are nicotine products, do pose a danger.

In youth, vaping can disrupt the growth of brain circuits that control attention, learning and susceptibility to addiction. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can prime young brains for addiction to other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal and postnatal development as well as contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Nicotine poisoning and symptoms

Ingestion of e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine can cause acute toxicity and possible death if the contents of the refill cartridges or bottles are consumed.

One conventional cigarette contains approximately 1 mg of nicotine. Those smoking conventional cigarettes only absorb about 1/10^th of the 1 mg of nicotine. Some manufacturers are producing e-juice/vaping juice with 30-40 + mg of nicotine in a cartridge, which is considered lethal to adults. Nicotine poisoning tends to be more critical in children and adults who are first time users.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, dehydration, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, headache, gas, anxiety, and hearing and vision changes. Nausea and vomiting are the most notable symptoms in youth.

For a summary of common vaping myths and FAQ’s visit: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/TobaccoProducts/AboutCTP/UCM624891.pdf

Electronic Cigarettes, E-Cigs, Vape Pens

E-Juice, Vape Juice

Vape Juice

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