Governor Reopens Retail, Restaurants, and Offices in UP

Governor Reopens Retail, Restaurants, and Offices in UP

by | May 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Reopens Retail, Restaurants, and Offices in Upper Peninsula, Traverse City Regions

Businesses that reopen must adopt workplace safety measures to protect employees, customers

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92, allowing for the reopening, in two regions, of retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars with limited seating. The two regions are both in the northern part of the state—specifically, MERC regions 6 and 8, as detailed in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy.

 

The partial reopening will take effect on Friday, May 22. Cities, villages, and townships may choose to take a more cautious course if they wish: the order does not abridge their authority to restrict the operations of restaurants or bars, including limiting such establishments to outdoor seating.

 

“This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.”

 

“The data shows that these regions in Michigan are seeing consistent encouraging trends when it comes to the number of cases, deaths, and the percent of tests that are positive for COVID-19,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “It’s important to note that these businesses must take special precautions to protect Michiganders. I also encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask in public, maintain a 6 foot distance from others, and to remain vigilant in washing their hands often.  This will help prevent a second surge in cases in our state.”

 

All businesses that will reopen in regions 6 and 8 must adopt the safety measures outlined in Executive Order 2020-91. That means they must, among other things, provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. Restaurants and bars will also have to limit capacity to 50% of their normal seating, to keep groups at least six feet from one another, to require their servers to wear face coverings, and to follow rigorous disinfection protocols.

 

“We are thankful to Governor Whitmer as today marks an important first step of reintegrating restaurants into the fabric of our daily lives,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Restaurants in the U.P. and northern Michigan understand that with their opportunity comes an extraordinary responsibility to operate in a manner that ensures the safety of their guests and their employees.  I believe they are up to the challenge.”

 

“Like Gov. Whitmer, Mayors in Michigan support the well-being of all our citizens,” said Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers. “All regions of Michigan have been affected by COVID-19, and Up North, we want to support the Governor by cautiously opening up some of our economy resources. However, in doing so, we must be mindful that wearing masks and continuing to practice social distancing is a must to make this work. Stopping the spread of this virus is still key and if we can’t, then we will have to close it down again.”

 

“I support the shift to making decisions on a regional level when possible,” said Marquette Mayor Jenna Smith. “As restrictions are slowly eased, it will be important for us to remain vigilant to stop the spread of the virus.”

 

Region 6 in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan includes the following counties: Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and Emmet.

 

Region 8 in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan includes the following counties: Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa.

 

To view Executive Order 2020-92, click the link below:

Governor Announces Process for Reopening of Schools

by | May 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces Process to Chart Path for the Safe and Equitable Reopening of Schools

Whitmer signs Executive Order to create a Return to Learn Advisory Council

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the creation of the Return to Learning Advisory Council via Executive Order 2020-88, formalizing a process for determining how schools may be able to reopen in the fall. The panel – which will be comprised of students, parents, frontline educators, administrators and public health officials – will be tasked with providing the COVID-19 Task Force on Education within the State Emergency Operations Center with recommendations on how to safely, equitably, and efficiently return to school in the Fall. The State of Michigan will also partner with a national nonprofit organization called Opportunity Labs to bring national expertise to this project.

“It’s critical we bring together experts in health care and education, as well as students, educators, and families to think about how and if it’s possible to safely return to in-person learning in the fall and how to ensure the more than 1.5 million K-12 students across Michigan get the education they need and deserve,” Governor Whitmer said. “This panel will use a data-informed and science-based approach with input from epidemiologists to determine if, when, and how students can return to school this fall and what that will look like.”

On March 3, Governor Whitmer established the COVID-19 Task Force on Education which includes key state government agencies, including representatives from MDHHS, MDE, and others. Since then, she has worked around the clock with experts in health care and education to protect our students, educators, and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor closed school buildings to students on March 16, and on April 30, she announced that buildings would remain closed for the duration of the school year. The original Task Force is tasked with recommending a roadmap and framework for school to utilize to plan for various public health scenarios.

Going forward, the Task Force will be informed by the Return to School Advisory Council, including voices from educators, health experts, and other community stakeholders. The Advisory Council will gather critical stakeholder feedback on the content of the Roadmap.

The Advisory Council will provide the COVID-19 Task Force on education with recommendations on how to safely, equitably and efficiently return to school in the fall and assemble critical voices from education, public health and communities across the state to identify the key issues schools must consider before opening, including:

  • Performing outreach to ensure the voices of stakeholders are included in the discussion of implementing the 2020-2021 school year in these challenging and uncharted circumstances.
  • Ensuring experts in public health and epidemiology are informing the discussion of safety returning to school.
  • Recommending actions to remove statutory/administrative barriers to delivering education before we are at Phase 6 of the MI Safe Start Plan.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for remedial support for students who experienced learning loss during the spring and summer.

Dr. Mario Ramirez, Managing Director of Opportunity Labs, a practicing emergency physician and former Acting Director of Pandemic and Emerging Threats the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the Ebola epidemic said, “we look forward to supporting the Advisory Council in its work to ensure the safest possible return to school in the fall.”

Support for this project is generously being provided but the Council of Michigan Foundations, the C.S. Mott Foundation, and other philanthropic organizations.

“I want to thank all of the parents who have been burning the candle at both ends these last few months trying to help their kids stay on track with their schoolwork while juggling their other responsibilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I know it hasn’t been easy,” Governor Whitmer said. “My hope is that by organizing a formal process informed by public health experts, we can give school districts much-needed direction heading into the 2020-2021 school year.”

The panel will be made up of more than 20 members representing K-12 administrators and educators, health experts and community stakeholders

Anyone interested can apply for the Return to Learn Advisory Council by going to Michigan.gov/appointments and click ‘apply now’ under boards and commissions. You will be able to choose Return to School Advisory Council under the appointment information tab within the application. Applications are due by Wednesday, May 20.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

To view Executive Order 2020-88, click the link below:
Governor Signs Order Allowing Laboratory Research to Resume 

Governor Signs Order Allowing Laboratory Research to Resume 

by | May 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Allowing Laboratory Research to Resume 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-90, which allows laboratory research to resume under stringent precautionary measures.

 

“The reopening of laboratory research in Michigan marks another step toward reopening our economy and getting Michiganders back to work,” Governor Whitmer said. “This partial and incremental reopening will allow my public health team to evaluate the effects of allowing these activities to resume, assess the capacity of the health care system to respond adequately to any increases in infections, and prepare for any increases in patients.”

 

The Safer at Home order, Executive Order 2020-77, allows some previously suspended work and activities to resume based on an evaluation of public health metrics and an assessment of the statewide risks and benefits. This now includes laboratory research.

 

Research laboratories (but not laboratories that perform diagnostic testing) must adhere to stringent workplace safeguards, including:

  • Assigning dedicated entry point(s) and/or times into lab buildings
  • Conducting a daily entry screening protocol for workers, contractors, suppliers, and any other individuals entering a worksite, including a questionnaire covering symptoms and suspected or confirmed exposure to people with possible COVID-19 infections, together with, if possible, a temperature screening
  • Creating protocols and/or checklists to conform to the facility’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and training workers to adhere to the plan
  • Suspending all non-essential in-person visitors, including visiting scholars and undergraduate students, until further notice
  • Training workers on the proper use of lab protection and personal protective equipment
  • Establishing and implementing a plan for distributing face coverings
  • Creating capacity limits for labs
  • Closing open workspaces, cafeterias and conference rooms
  • Including tape on the floor to mark workspaces for 6-foot distances in labs and create one-way traffic flow where possible
  • Requiring all office and dry lab work to be conducted remotely
  • Minimizing the use of shared lab equipment and shared lab tools and creating protocols for disinfecting lab equipment and lab tools
  • Providing disinfecting wipes and requiring workers to wipe down their workstations at least twice daily
  • Implementing an audit and compliance procedure to ensure cleaning criteria are followed
  • Establishing a clear reporting process for any symptomatic individual or any individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19, including the notification of lab leaders and the maintenance of a central log
  • Cleaning and disinfecting the work site when a worker is sent home with symptoms or with a confirmed case of COVID-19
  • Sending any potentially exposed coworkers’ home if there is a positive case in the facility

 

“I want to thank Michiganders for doing their part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve,” Governor Whitmer said. “As we continue to reopen other industries across our state it’s critical to do so with care, patience and vigilance to ensure the progress we’ve made in slowing the spread of this virus is not compromised.”

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

To view Executive Order 2020-90, click the links below:

 
Michigan’s COVID-19 Hotline Now Offers Free Counseling

Michigan’s COVID-19 Hotline Now Offers Free Counseling

by | May 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Michigan’s COVID-19 Hotline Now Offers Free, Confidential Emotional Support Counseling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. Confidential emotional support counseling is now available 24/7 at no cost to Michiganders who call the state’s COVID-19 hotline. The service is part of a federally funded grant program implemented by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration (BHDDA) in partnership with the Michigan State Police.

Callers to the COVID-19 hotline will hear a recording that begins by saying to press “8” if they would like to speak with a Michigan Stay Well counselor. The counselors, though not licensed professionals, have received specialized training from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Technical Assistance Center on how to provide emotional support to residents of federally declared disaster areas. A major disaster was declared in Michigan on Friday, March 27, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BHDDA hopes that adding Stay Well counseling services to the hotline will provide callers with relief from the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Emerging or lingering anxiety, distress, irritability and loss of hope are important feelings to recognize in ourselves and others, and it can help to talk to someone,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, psychiatrist and MDHHS medical director for behavioral health. “If it’s helpful, the counselors can also provide callers with referrals to local mental health agencies and substance use disorder support services.”

“Because of COVID-19, many of us are grappling with strong emotions, including anxiety, depression and fear,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “We want Michiganders to know it is okay to have these feelings – and okay to ask for help. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.”

Michigan Stay Well counselors are available any time, day or night, by dialing the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136 and pressing 8 when prompted. Language translation is available for non-English speakers.

State employee volunteers also continue to answer general COVID-19 questions on the hotline. The current hours for general questions are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To access a variety of emotional support resources in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, visit Michigan.gov/StayWell.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Governor Whitmer Directs Flags to Remain Lowered

Governor Whitmer Directs Flags to Remain Lowered

by | May 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 14, 2020

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Governor Whitmer Directs Flags to Remain Lowered for Peace Officers Memorial Day  

All flags are currently lowered to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)and will remain lowered  throughout the emergency. 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has directed U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state of Michigan to remain lowered at half-staff on Friday, May 15, 2020, to honor Peace Officers Memorial Day during Police Week  to  honor officers  killed or disabled  in the line of duty.

 

“Peace Officers Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on the sacrifices  law enforcement make for our communities every single day to keep our families safe,” Whitmer said. “We witness the great work these professionals do day after day, especially during this pandemic as they have been on the frontlines in our communities. Let us honor the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the line of duty, of whom we owe a debt that can never be repaid, their memories will never be forgotten.”

 

Peace Officers Memorial Day falls within National Police Week, which was established by Congress in 1962 to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and is observed from Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16 of this year.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of law enforcement by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

All flags will remain lowered to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Executive Office of the Governor will send out a follow-up release when the flags are to be raised.