As was the case in March, COVID-19 dominated the news in April 2020. Last month, four of the top five articles on Lowell’s First Look were related to coronavirus. Overall, our website was viewed 17,539 times in April, and our Facebook page reached 7,834 people in the past 28 days.
Based on website views, here are the most popular articles from April 2020.
5. Keeping Lowell Safe: Police Beat for March 2020
The Lowell Police Department is taking precautions to limit public contact when possible, but they are still available to provide assistance as needed. March cases included felony arrests and a drunk driver, and last month’s Police Beat was the fifth most-read story on Lowell’s First Look in April.
4. Lowell Businesses Work to Remain Open During Stay-at-Home Order
It’s been a tough month for Lowell businesses, with most partially or entirely closed because of the state’s stay-at-home order. We talked to several business owners to see how they are adapting, and this article was the fourth most-read story from last month. Since then, restrictions on curbside pick-up have loosened and stores such as Lowell Hemp Co, Flat River Gallery and Framing and Village Floral West have restarted some operations on a limited basis. For a list of stores and restaurants currently operating in some capacity, visit our Lowell COVID-19 Response page.
3. Lowell Schools Shift to Online and At-Home Learning
Michigan schools were closed on March 13 with the expectation of reopening on April 6. However, as Governors across the nation began closing schools in their state for the remainder of the year, many people saw the writing on the wall. In early April, Michigan followed suit, and this article highlighted how that announcement would affect local students in Lowell Area Schools and St. Patrick School.
2. Where to Find Cloth Masks in Lowell, Michigan
Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, some local seamstresses began making cloth masks to supplement the limited supply of personal protective equipment available. Now that masks are required for those shopping indoors, their work has taken on new importance. This article highlights where people can get locally made cloth masks.
1. Green Acres Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
The top article of the month highlighted the first case of COVID-19 in Lowell that we were able to confirm. Since then, we have learned one resident of Green Acres also tested positive for the disease. State data shows there are seven cases of COVID-19 at the Laurels of Kent as well, and at least one resident of Laurels of Kent has reportedly died. Because of health privacy laws, information about individual cases isn’t readily available. However, the Kent County Health Department reports 27 cases of the disease are in the 49331 zip code.
Did your favorite article make the list? Tell us which story you liked best by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.
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