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Representatives of the Relaunch Greater Lansing Task Force are urging community members to stay focused on safe and healthy behaviors in light of the continuing battle against Covid, especially in light of the emergence of the new Delta variant. Task Force leaders are urging vigilance in following protocols regarding wearing of masks and encouraging unvaccinated citizens to receive their vaccinations as soon as possible.

“Those of us in the public health and government arenas have advocated and pushed for vaccinations as hard as we possibly can for months,” said Linda Vail, health officer, Ingham County Health Department. “To get vaccination percentages high enough to put this pandemic behind us we urge employers to take action. We need employers to educate employees, provide resources and strongly encourage vaccines in their workplace.”

“We all agree that fully reopening our economy, returning to full, in person classrooms and having employees return to work is something that can be done in a safe and healthy manner,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “To continue our rebound and keep our region fully open, it is imperative that we get more people vaccinated and stay focused on protecting everyone in our community.”

The fall school season marks the return of in person classes for all K-12 and higher education institutions in the region. Though virtual education has been successful for many students, the return to in person classes is widely viewed as essential to the educational growth of students of all ages.

“We are quickly approaching the new school year and we all need to do our part to keep schools open,” said Jason Mellema, superintendent, Ingham Intermediate School District. “Districts that were able to have in-person classes for part or all of last year found that they can provide quality experiences in a safe and healthy manner. We need to build on that success to ensure schools are open for in-person learning and students are thriving. “Members of the Relaunch Greater Lansing Task Force also urged a community-wide effort to provide good educational support and encouragement for those still hesitant about receiving the vaccine.

“We have the data that shows in a very compelling and convincing way that vaccines are safe and successful,” said Dr. Farhan Bhatti., CEO and chief medical officer, Care Free Medical Clinic. “Receiving a vaccine is the way to not only protect yourself and your loved ones, but also stop the spread of this virus from needlessly claiming lives in our community.”

“It is great to have the community open up, businesses open and to be able to enjoy life again, which we know we can do in a way that protects everyone,” said Tico Duckett, owner and operator, Duckett Brothers Distributing. “I know I speak for a lot of Spartan faithful when I say I am looking forward to football Saturdays and seeing the Green and White win in person!”

Relaunch Greater Lansing was created in 2020 to help Greater Lansing safely reopen during the Covid pandemic. The task force consists of trusted professionals in business, education, healthcare and government. For more information and the latest developments in the Covid-19 pandemic, visit the task force website at: https://www.relaunchgreaterlansing.com/