FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2020

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is making it easier than ever for residents to find nearby COVID-19 testing sites and to register to be tested – whether they are internet-savvy or prefer to use the telephone.

MDHHS has launched a new online test finder tool at Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest with filters that allow users to find the closest testing sites that meet their needs. Using these new filters, Michiganders can easily locate test sites that are no cost, that test people who do not have symptoms, that do not require a doctor’s order, or are for uninsured individuals. For select testing sites, users can schedule an appointment online.

The department also announced it is working with Michigan 211 to help residents find test sites and register for testing over the telephone. Anyone who calls the Michigan COVID-19 hotline Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 888-535-6136, and presses 1 will be transferred automatically to a 211 operator who can help the caller find testing sites and, for select sites, schedule an appointment.

“As Michigan works to expand testing sites, it’s also important to make it as easy as possible for people to identify testing locations and simplify their testing experience,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “We continue to work to eliminate barriers to testing so we can identify and contain COVID-19 as much as possible.”

In recent weeks Michigan has expanded its criteria for COVID-19 testing to encourage even people who are not showing symptoms to be tested – such as those who are at risk because they work in a congregate facility or other high-risk setting (such as a nursing home, jail, prison, homeless shelter, assisted living facility) or frequently interact with the public.

Michigan residents should immediately get tested if they feel sick, if someone close to them feels sick or if they work outside the home. There are over 300 test sites in Michigan, including many sites offering testing at no cost to the patient. Test sites operate in primary care settings, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, urgent care, hospitals, and other locations. Many sites provide drive-thru or walk up testing as well.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2020

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

LANSING, MICH. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon has signed two epidemic orders that provide for expanded visitations at group facilities while also requiring precautions that protect public health.

The orders allow expanded visitation in long-term care facilities including nursing homes, and in facilities for youth who are in child caring institutions or juvenile justice facilities.

Visitors to these types of facilities have been temporarily restricted to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new orders provide exceptions to those restrictions in limited circumstances as long as the facilities meet specific safety requirements — such as requiring mask during visits.

“It’s been very difficult for residents of these facilities to be unable to see their loved ones during the pandemic,” Gordon said. “We are glad Michigan can now allow visits in some circumstances, but we continue to urge caution and require safety precautions like wearing masks during visits.”

The orders are effective immediately.

One order applies to residential long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance abuse disorder residential facilities, independent living facilities and assisted living facilities. The order applies in limited circumstances and takes into account the importance of compassionate care for Michiganders who have terminal illnesses. It allows visits only with residents who are in serious or critical condition or in hospice care, or visits from family members or friends who assist residents with activities of daily living – such as eating, bathing or dressing.

The other order affects youth in congregate care facilities – known as child caring institutions – and juvenile justice facilities – also known as juvenile detention facilities. Child caring institutions are defined as facilities receiving minor children for care, maintenance and supervision, usually on a 24-hour basis, in buildings maintained by the institution for that purpose and that operate throughout the year. They can include facilities for youth who are in foster care.

The youth congregate care order allows youth residents to have off-campus visits to a parent, foster parent or prospective adoptive parent if the person or persons being visited agree in advance to abide by safety measures as recommended by the CDC to reduce exposure to COVID-19. These measures must have been in place for at least two weeks prior to the scheduled visit. Additionally, the parent, foster parent or prospective adoptive parent must not have a known exposure to COVID-19 or have symptoms, unless that person has had a negative test result since the last known exposure.

Safety requirements that facilities must follow to allow visitors can be found in the epidemic orders for residential long-term care facilities and for congregate care facilities. The requirements in each order are different based on the needs of each population and safety concerns. For example, in long-term care facilities visitors must schedule an appointment.

Both orders require visitors to be assessed for COVID-19 symptoms, to wear mask or face coverings and to maintain social distancing, among other precautions. MDHHS is encouraging outdoor visitation when possible.

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

June 30, 2020

As Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency continues to process a record number of claims, today it announced additions to its leadership team adding capacity to improve customer service, data analytics, fraud, and systems.

Jeffrey Frost has been appointed as a Special Fraud Advisor to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Frost will provide expertise and guidance in UIA’s efforts to counter the criminal attacks being experienced by unemployment systems around the country, analyze fraudulent unemployment activity and clear legitimate accounts. Frost will serve as a liaison to Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force to help identify, locate, and prosecute criminals suspected of unemployment fraud.

Frost is an accomplished operational, administrative and fiscal leader with extensive experience leading complex cyber and financial crimes investigations in the public and private sectors. He is currently the principal and owner of a security and investigative firm and part-time faculty member at Michigan State University. He previously worked in the private sector and retired as the Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service in Detroit Field Office after 25 years of service.

The UIA also announced additional key leadership members:

• Stephanie Glidden is named UIA Chief of Staff. Glidden, who serves as UIA Legislative Liaison, will retain her legislative responsibilities and will now have expanded duties related to policy and communications.
• Evan Anderson is appointed as Special Advisor on Payment Operations and Digital Systems. Anderson, who continues to serve as LEO Chief Strategist, will now work to enhance the agency’s information systems to improve data systems, and process claims more efficiently and effectively.
• Debbie Ciccone is named Interim UIA Finance Administrator. Ciccone, who previously served as LEO Internal Controls Manager, will have oversight over the agency’s budget, finances, and reporting.

“These additions to the UIA leadership team are exceptional public servants whose diverse skills and expertise will help the agency continue to improve operations and provide all eligible workers their full benefits,” said LEO Director Jeff Donofrio.

Since March 15, 2.2 million eligible claimants have applied for state and federal benefits, with over $14.3 billion in benefits paid to over 2 million workers. 94.5% of eligible claimants have received or are approved for benefits.

“Each of these team members is an important addition to the agency,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. “Their leadership will be a driving force as we continue to improve customer service, make efficient use of resources and protect Michiganders from unemployment fraud.”

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