Detroit opens Senior Saturday COVID-19 vaccination sites this weekend; $2 round-trip rides available to TCF Center

The City of Detroit is redoubling its efforts to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines by providing low-cost transportation to the TCF Center and holding weekly Senior Saturday vaccination fairs at two churches beginning February 13.

Mayor Mike Duggan outlined the vaccination fairs and transportation at a news briefing February 9. He was joined by Fellowship Chapel Pastor Wendell Anthony, Bishop Edgar Vann of Second Ebenezer Church and Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair. The Mayor indicated that the focus is on closing the vaccination rate gap between Detroit and the rest of the state and to address vulnerable populations. Only 5% of Detroiters have been vaccinated compared to 13% of the state’s population. Also, 70 percent of all Detroiters who have died of COVID-19 were 65 and older. Of the 16 Detroiters who died recently of COVID-19, 15 individuals were 65 and older.

The Detroit Health Department is partnering with the two churches to provide vaccinations for Detroit residents, ages 65 and older, on February 13, 20 and 27 and March 6. The vaccination fairs will take place at Fellowship Chapel, 7707 Outer Drive, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Saturday. At Second Ebenezer, 14601 Dequindre, vaccination fairs will take place 1 – 5 p.m. on those Saturdays.

Appointments are required at both churches. Eligible residents should call (313) 230-0505 to schedule an appointment. City officials expect to schedule up to 500 appointments at each location, each Saturday. Mayor Duggan also said he plans to expand to additional locations to reach seniors in southwest Detroit and the east side starting next week.

2,500 doses going to Detroit Meijer stores
The Mayor also announced a partnership with the two Meijer locations — on Eight Mile at Woodward and Grand River at W. McNichols — in the city to start offering vaccinations to staff and eligible customers. The retail chain currently has a waiting list of 3,300 customers who are residents of Detroit.

The full list of eligible individuals now includes:
• Any Detroit resident age 65 or older
• Food service workers, including grocery store, restaurant, meat packing and food and beverage            handling employees living or working in Detroit
• Security guards living or working in Detroit
• Janitors living or working in Detroit
• K-12 teachers and support staff and day care workers
• U.S. Post Office employees who live or work in Detroit
• Employees of the City of Detroit or city-related agencies who are working from their regular job site
• State and Federal law enforcement living or working in Detroit at a work site
• Clergy members interacting face-to-face with members of their congregation
• Funeral home/mortuary employees living or working in Detroit
• Healthcare workers with the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious
materials working in Detroit

City of Detroit now offering $2 rides to TCF

Starting February 9, individuals scheduling appointments for a vaccination at TCF Center will have the opportunity to get a ride to the site for just $2, if they lack their own transportation. The service is similar to the one the City provided for COVID-19 testing at the State Fairgrounds. To obtain a ride, individuals must be Detroit residents being picked up from a Detroit address. Rides can be scheduled when setting up a vaccination appointment for the TCF Center. Rides must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of an appointment. If a wheelchair accessible vehicle is required, one will be provided.

Detroit Health Department continues on-site vaccinations

Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair said the Detroit Health Department has vaccinated 1,300 staff and residents at 22 senior apartments and 826 staff and residents at 18 Detroit homeless shelters so far. During the week of February 8, the department will provide vaccinations at these homeless shelters – St. John’s, Michigan Veteran’s Foundation, YWCA, Community Social Services of Wayne and Mariner’s Inn — and a number of senior apartment buildings.

Black Bottom History Lesson
February 10 at 2:30 p.m.
A history lesson on Black Bottom neighborhoods with historian Jamon Jordan.

Detroit businesses can apply for Paycheck Protection Program

Detroit businesses can now apply for loans of up to $2 million during the second round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. This round focuses on women- and minority-owned businesses in low-income neighborhoods. Loans are available at 1% interest paid back over 30 years. Loans may be forgiven if spent on eligible expenses, primarily payroll.

During the first round, nearly $650 million was distributed to 5,412 Detroit businesses. The average loan was $120,000, and an estimated 58,000 jobs were preserved.

Applications for the latest round of the program are being accepted through March 31 at Detroitmeansbusiness.org.

First Draw Eligibility

If you did not receive a loan in round one, here are the qualifications:

•   Small business with fewer than 500 employees or a sole proprietor

•   Were in operation by Feb. 15, 2020 and have a tax ID

Second Draw Eligibility

If you did receive a loan in round one, here are the qualifications:

•    Small business with fewer than 300 employees or sole proprietor

•    Was operating by Feb. 15, 2020 and have a tax ID

•    Demonstrate a loss of 25% in any quarter in 2020 compared to 2019

•    Round one funds must be spent before receiving round two funds