JACKSON, MI – The lunch break for employees at Henry Ford Allegiance Health was extra eventful on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Workers lined up along East Michigan Avenue to watch a parade of eight NASCAR haulers, which took a detour through Jackson on their way to Michigan International Speedway for race weekend. The trucks blew their horns as employees waved and cheered.
Employees were also treated to a free boxed lunch from four Jackson-area eateries, compliments of Verizon.
“It really means a lot for those folks who can come out and take a break from managing these sick patients,” said Dr. Mark Smith, chief medical officer at HFAH. “They work tirelessly.”
The haulers were carrying various equipment for the NASCAR races this weekend, although none of the haulers in attendance were the ones that carry the race cars.
Henry Ford Health System is the sponsor of Friday’s NASCAR Truck Series race at MIS, dubbed the Henry Ford Health System 200. The race starts at 6 p.m. on FS1. No fans are allowed to attend any of the races this weekend in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health system also runs the track’s infield care center, which typically treats fans and NASCAR personnel alike during race weekend.
HFHS staffs the health center on race weekends and Faster Horses week – although employees will not handle the coronavirus health screenings at the track this weekend, Smith said.
NASCAR does not test drivers and other employees for COVID-19, but does do temperature checks and a basic health screening for everybody in attendance.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
For more data on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.
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