Whitmer Spends Friday Working at Salon

Whitmer Spends Friday Working at Salon

by | Jun 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDAITE RELEASE

June 26, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

PHOTOS: Governor Whitmer Spends Friday Working at Local

 Salon in Grand Rapids

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer brought her “Work With Whitmer” tour to Grand Rapids, where she visited two businesses that have reopened under the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan.

 

The governor started her day at Reflections Hair Salon, where she worked alongside stylists to learn about their craft and help clean equipment on the studio floor. The governor later purchased some juice from Malamiah Juice Bar in downtown Grand Rapids. During her visits, she spoke with both small business owners about how COVID-19 has impacted their business and how they are continuing to stay safe and protect against the virus.

 

“This was a great opportunity to see firsthand how Michigan’s small businesses are getting back to work safely and responsibly,” said Governor Whitmer. “I had a fun time learning from the stylists at Reflections about the precautions they are taking to keep their staff and customers safe, and they made sure to put me to work. We’re not out of the woods yet, but if we all keep doing our part, I know we can build a Michigan that is safer and stronger for everyone.”

 

Last week, Governor Whitmer spent the day working behind the grill at Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit.

 

Currently, most of Michigan is Governor in phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. A few weeks ago, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-91 which requires businesses to adhere to strict safety guidelines to protect workers, patrons and their communities from infection.
Asian tiger mosquitoes identified in Wayne County

Asian tiger mosquitoes identified in Wayne County

by | Jun 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2020

MDHHS CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112,SutfinL1@michigan.gov
Wayne County CONTACT: Michael McElrath, 313-303-5042, [email protected]  

Asian tiger mosquitoes identified in Wayne County
Insect can transmit viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika

LANSING, Mich. – The invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has again been identified in Wayne County, officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Wayne County Health Department announced today. The Asian tiger mosquito was discovered in Michigan for the first time in 2017, in an industrial area of Livonia in Wayne County. In 2018, the mosquitoes were again found in Wayne County, in an industrial area of Romulus. This time, the mosquito was discovered in an industrial area in Taylor.

Aedes albopictus, along with Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito), can transmit viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika to people. These mosquitoes are widespread from tropical to temperate regions of the globe, including many parts of the U.S. They do not occur naturally in Michigan, where winters are usually too harsh for them to survive. However, warming climate trends are supporting the spread of these mosquitoes into more northern regions.

“Although we have not had any illnesses associated with these species of mosquitoes in Michigan, it is important to take precautions since other mosquitoes can spread viruses such as West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis to people,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors.”

The Asian tiger mosquito can live in areas with climates that range from tropical to temperate, and it has been extending its known range in the U.S. They are considered established in many midwestern states including Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Occasionally, the mosquitoes will travel in commercial products shipped from states where they are currently established. This is likely how the mosquitoes have shown up in Wayne County.

This summer, MDHHS has again partnered with local health departments in Wayne and 23 other counties in Michigan to conduct surveillance for the two mosquito species that can carry Zika and other tropical viruses. These invasive day-biting mosquitoes breed in containers where water collects, such as old tires, gutters and flowerpots. Continued surveillance to date suggests that breeding populations have not survived the winter in our state.

Industries that import into Michigan items that can hold water and serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes should consider taking precautions to kill mosquito larvae that may be present in these products.

Michigan residents can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

  • Eliminating sources of standing water such as wading pools, old tires, buckets and containers by dumping water to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching or larvae from developing into biting adults.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors.
  • Applying an EPA-registered insect repellent according to label instructions.
  • Making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

For more information about mosquito-borne viruses and mosquito surveillance in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

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Governor Signs Order Creating Eviction Diversion Program

by | Jun 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Creating Eviction Diversion Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2020
Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Creating Eviction Diversion Program

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-134 extending the temporary suspension of evictions until July 15 and creating the Eviction Diversion Program, which outlines a process for renters to get fast rental assistance or establish a manageable payment plan to keep Michiganders in their homes. Rental assistance under the Eviction Diversion Program will be available beginning July 16.

“No Michigander should have to worry about losing their home during a global health pandemic and, at the same time, landlords and management companies need rent from their tenants to sustain their businesses,” Governor Whitmer said. “This innovative new program will save lives, save money, and save businesses by keeping families in their homes and providing immediate financial relief to landlords for back rent they’re due.”

Under Executive Order 2020-134, $50 million of rental assistance will be made available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10% of the amount due. Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the Eviction Diversion Program will be entered into manageable payment plans facilitated by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-17.

The program was created following the passage of Senate Bill 690, which passed unanimously out of both the Michigan House and Senate on June 17. The legislation appropriated $60 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for the creation of a rental assistance program to assist tenants and landlords after the eviction moratorium concludes.

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

To view Executive Order 2020-134, click the link below:

Task Force to Protect Nursing Home Residents and Staff from COVID-19

Task Force to Protect Nursing Home Residents and Staff from COVID-19

by | Jun 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Whitmer Creates Bipartisan Task Force, Takes Action to Protect Nursing Home Residents and Staff from COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2020
Media Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Creates Bipartisan Task Force, Takes Action to Protect Nursing Home Residents and Staff from COVID-19

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders to protect Michigan Nursing Home residents and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order 2020-135 creates the bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-136, which extends existing safety measures to maintain restrictions regarding entry to care facilities designed to protect vulnerable populations. Since it was first issued on March 14, this order has prohibited entry into a nursing home without undergoing a rigorous screening protocol designed to protect facilities from COVID-19.

“We have taken great strides here in Michigan to protect families from the spread of COVID-19 and lower the chance of a second wave, but it’s crucial that we stay vigilant and work around the clock to protect our most vulnerable residents and those who have dedicated their lives to caring for them,” said Governor Whitmer. “These actions will help our state protect more nursing home residents and staff in the case of a second wave. Moving forward, I will work closely with the task force and with everyone who wants to help us protect our most vulnerable communities, the heroes on the front lines, and our families from this virus.”

The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force will be charged with, among other things, analyzing relevant data on the threat of COVID-19 in nursing homes, and making recommendations to the governor on improving data quality, and releasing periodic reports to the governor on its findings and recommendations. The task force must produce a recommendation to the governor for an action plan on how to prepare nursing homes for any future wave of COVID-19 cases by August 31, 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a particularly dire threat to the health and safety of residents and employees of long-term care facilities across the country,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “This task force will help us continue to work to protect our most vulnerable residents and the caretakers serving on the front lines.”

“The impact of COVID-19 on nursing home residents has been especially tragic,” said Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan. “I am optimistic this bi-partisan Taskforce will identify best practices to ensure that nursing home residents and staff are better served and protected going forward.”

“SEIU Healthcare Michigan’s nursing home workers are essential and continue to put their lives at risk by going to work daily,” said Andrea Acevedo, President of SEIU Healthcare Michigan. “We believe that every nursing home worker deserves the support, resources and protections to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe throughout this pandemic and beyond. The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force is one of many steps needed to ensure that protection, health and safety standards across the nursing home industry are met. And the most transformative work we can do to ensure the highest quality of care for residents and for workers, is by allowing our frontline nursing home workers to have a voice and seat at the decision making table.”

The Task Force will consist of leaders across state government, including representatives from DHHS and LARA. The task force will also include a representative of the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, bipartisan representation from both houses of the legislature (2 members from each house), and thirteen other members appointed by the governor, including individuals with a personal or professional interest in the health, safety, and welfare of nursing home residents and workers.

Executive Order 2020-136 maintains restrictions on visitation to health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities, but authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to gradually re-open visitation as circumstances permit. This order has been in place since March, and consistently prohibited entry into a nursing home by a person exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. The order is effective immediately and continues through July 24, 2020.

To view Executive Orders 2020-135 and 2020-136, click the link below:

Mortgage Relief Options, Insurance During American Housing Month

by | Jun 25, 2020 | Uncategorized

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Promotes Mortgage Relief Options, Insurance During American Housing Month

Contact: Laura Hall 517-290-3779

June is American Housing Month and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is raising awareness about ways Michiganders can protect their homes through lender programs for those impacted by COVID-19 and through insurance policy reviews to make sure they have the coverage they need before they need it.

“It is important to make sure homeowners understand how to financially protect their homes, especially as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “American Housing Month is a great opportunity to review lender programs and insurance policies to make sure you have the financial protection you need all year long.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound financial impact on many homeowners, and help is available. DIFS has compiled information for Michigan homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments in a publication available online. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security Act provides help to those with federally backed mortgages, giving homeowners forbearance options and protection from extra fees or interest. In addition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and DIFS launched the MiMortgage Relief Partnership, a cooperative agreement between more than 230 banks, credit unions and mortgage servicers in Michigan to provide mortgage relief to Michigan homeowners experiencing a COVID-19 related financial hardship. Learn more about the MiMortgage Relief Partnership at Michigan.gov/MiMortgageRelief.

“No one facing financial hardship due to this pandemic should lose their home, and DIFS is working hard to provide guidance to affected borrowers during this unprecedented time,” said Fox. “Homeowners experiencing difficulty paying their mortgage should contact their lender right away to learn what relief options they have available.”

Homeowners should also consider reviewing their insurance policies with their agent or insurance company to understand their coverage and any new discounts available, including for recent home improvements or going without a claim for a certain amount of time. This insurance review is a good opportunity to understand the risks you may still face and consider adding new coverage, for example to cover flood damage or water back-up. Additional information about homeowners insurance is available on the DIFS website.

Consumers who need assistance with their insurance or financial services company can also contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442, or file a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan citizens. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.