MDHHS encourages Medicaid providers to apply for COVID-19 relief dollars

by | Aug 5, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS encourages Medicaid providers to apply for federal COVID-19 relief dollars now available

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 31, 2020

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Medicaid providers that are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for federal funds intended to assist them.

The deadline to apply for Provider Relief Fund dollars from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration is Aug. 28. The federal administration extended that deadline after receiving a relatively low response rate from Medicaid providers who were earlier notified by the federal government and in Michigan by MDHHS’s Medical Services Administration.

This funding is available from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It must cover lost revenue attributable to COVID-19 or health-related expenses on purchases to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

“Our Medicaid partners provide critical health care coverage to Michiganders and have continued to do so during the pandemic,” said Kate Massey, director of MDHHS’s Medical Services Administration. “They took a financial hit when many medical appointments were cancelled as a result of COVID-19. These federal dollars are available to help providers so that they can continue to assist Medicaid beneficiaries.”

Medicaid providers can find more information about eligibility and apply on the U.S. Health and Human Services Provider Relief Fund website.

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

August hunting and trapping opportunities

by | Aug 4, 2020 | Uncategorized
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Deer in a field in early autumn

August hunting and trapping opportunities

This summer and fall, you may still enjoy many outdoor activities, including hunting, as long as you practice proper social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from those who don’t live in your household.

Learn more about upcoming hunting and trapping opportunities:

Apply for reserved waterfowl hunts through Aug. 28

Waterfowl reserved hunt applications are available now through Wednesday, Aug. 28. Applications are $5, and hunters may only apply once.

Reserved hunts will be held mornings and afternoons of the opening weekend (Oct. 10 and 11) of waterfowl hunting season at:

  • Fish Point State Wildlife Area.
  • Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area.
  • Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area.
  • Shiawassee River State Game Area.

Apply online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or anywhere licenses are sold. Drawing results will be posted Sept. 21.

For more information about waterfowl hunting and the reserved hunts, visit Michigan.gov/Waterfowl.

Pure Michigan Hunt – additional opportunity for reserved waterfowl hunts

Apply for the 2021 Pure Michigan Hunt for an additional opportunity to participate in a reserved waterfowl hunt. Each application is $5, and you may apply as many times as you like until Dec. 31. Three lucky winners will receive a hunt package that includes first pick for a reserved waterfowl hunt plus elk, bear, turkey and antlerless deer licenses. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.

Antlerless deer license application period open through Aug. 15

You may apply only once and must choose to apply for either a public-land OR private-land license (not both). Applications are $5.

Apply for a reserved deer hunt through Aug. 15.

  • Opportunities for individuals with disabilities are available at Sharonville State Game Area.
  • Opportunities in DMU 273 (Shiawassee) are available for any licensed hunter.
  • Limited opportunities for archery-only antlerless hunts in the Humbug Marsh Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
  • Apply online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or anywhere licenses are sold.

Drawing results will be posted Aug 31. 

2020 deer hunting regulations

Deer hunting regulations for 2020 were set at the July Natural Resources Commission meeting. Some of the changes include:

Statewide

  • Liberty and Independence hunt qualifications now include deaf people.
  • Mentored youths (age 9 and younger), junior license holders (age 10-16) and apprentice license holders are exempt from antler point restrictions in all seasons, in all deer management units (DMUs) and under all licenses, which includes both the regular and restricted tags on the deer combo license.
  • The statewide limit for private-land antlerless license purchase is 10 per hunter. This limit offers maximum opportunity for those who wish to manage abundant deer on their property.

Upper Peninsula

  • Upper Peninsula archers in select DMUs may pursue antlerless deer with their deer/deer combo license. The following DMUs continue to be closed to antlerless harvest during the archery seasons: 027, 031, 036, 042, 066, 127 and 131. Additional DMUs may be open or closed based on the snowfall totals from the prior winter, pending DNR analysis. Please see the 2020 Hunting Digest for complete regulations when it becomes available in August.

Lower Peninsula

  • In addition to the archery season, antlerless deer may be taken on the deer/deer combo license during the firearm and muzzleloader seasons in all Lower Peninsula DMUs.
  • Early and late antlerless seasons will be open in all Lower Peninsula mainland DMUs.
  • Antlerless deer may be taken on a deer/deer combo license during both the early and late antlerless seasons in the Lower Peninsula.

The 2020 Hunting Digest will have further information regarding these regulations. The digest is in the process of being finalized now that regulations are set. Watch for the current digest later this month at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

Learn more about deer management and hunting at Michigan.gov/Deer.

Download hunting digests for on-the-go access

This year, printing and distribution of hunting digests will be limited. For on-demand digest access that travels where you do without the need for internet access, consider downloading DNR hunting and fishing digests to your phone. They are available for download on Android and Apple devices. Find the current digests and downloading instructions at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

Visit Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

Michigan’s managed waterfowl areas offer first-class waterfowl hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Visit Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders to learn more!

Need a place to hunt? Check out these options

GEMS ►

Explore our Grouse Enhanced Management Sites for premier bird hunting locations.

HAP lands ►

Find a complete list of private lands available to hunt through the Hunting Access Program.

Mi-HUNT ►

Find places to hunt using Mi-HUNT – a mapping tool that shows lands open to public hunting.

Questions? Contact us

Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD).
Increase In COVID-19 Cases In South Lyon And Fenton Region

Increase In COVID-19 Cases In South Lyon And Fenton Region

by | Aug 4, 2020 | Uncategorized

Increase In COVID-19 Cases In South Lyon And Fenton Region

Pontiac, Michigan –Oakland County Health Division, Livingston County Health Department and Genesee County Health Department report a steep increase in COVID-19 cases in the South Lyon and Fenton areas since mid-July among individuals 15 – 19 years-old. Some of the cases reported attending large indoor and outdoor gatherings, including graduation parties and prom like events, during July.

“We need parents and young people in our community to recognize the risk they take to their own health and that of their family and friends when attending gatherings without taking precautions,” Leigh-Anne Stafford, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division said. “We can work together across our communities to contain the spread and I urge parents to be aware of activities your kids attend.”

“When attending both indoor and outdoor gatherings, it is important to stay six feet from others and wear a mask,” Dianne McCormick, Health Officer, Livingston County health Department said. “Socializing responsibly could help quickly turn things around.”

“When individuals cooperate with Health Departments to complete contract tracing and case investigations, it goes a long way to stopping the spread of COVID-19,”John McKellar, Health Officer, Genesee County health Department said. “No one wants to be the one who spreads COVID-19 to someone who becomes very ill or dies.”

Preliminary information indicates a significant increase in cases among high school age students and those numbers could change as case investigation continues in the three counties. In Oakland County, COVID-19 cases among 15 – 19-year-olds in the South Lyon area increased from three cases during late-June to mid-July to 42 from mid-July to early August. Similar trends for this age group have been observed Countywide in Livingston and Genesee counties. For Livingston County, cases increased from three cases during late-June to mid-July to 19 from mid-July to early August and in Genesee County, cases increased from 19 during late-June to mid-July to 94 from mid-July to early August.

The three health departments are conducting case investigations to identify individuals who have potentially been exposed. Initial information has determined that 15 – 19-year-olds from Oakland Livingston and Genesee attended at least six large gatherings.

If you attended a large gathering in the South Lyon and/or Fenton area during mid to late July and you think you are developing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 described below, call your physician or local health department. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you are considering attending an indoor or outdoor event, take precautions by:

  • Maintaining six feet social distance from those outside your household
  • Wearing a face covering when you cannot stay six feet from others
  • Washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Staying home when sick

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced with cloth face coverings, social distancing, and staying home when sick except to get medical care.

For more information on COVID-19, for Oakland County visit www.oakgov.com/covid. Contact Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with health-related questions. For all other COVID-19 questions, contact the COVID-19 Help Hotline at 248-858-1000 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter. For Livingston County, call 517-546-9850, email: [email protected] or visit https://www.livgov.com/health/ph/Pages/COVID19.aspx. For Genesee County call 810-424-4443 or visit www.gchd.us.

Media Contacts:
Oakland County: Bill Mullan, Oakland County Media and Communications Officer, 248-858-1048

Livingston County: Natasha Radke, Public Information Officer, 517-546-9850

Genesee County: Suzanne Cupal, Public Information Officer, 810-768-7970

Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Strengthening COVID-19 Orders

Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Strengthening COVID-19 Orders

by | Aug 4, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive 

Strengthening Enforcement of COVID-19 Orders to Save Lives 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2020-08 today to direct state departments and autonomous agency heads to review allocation of their resources to ensure that enforcement of COVID-19-related laws is a priority, such as limitations on capacity and the requirement to wear a mask when entering a Michigan business. Cases have risen over the past month—from a rolling seven-day average of about 15 cases per million on in mid-June, the low point since the peak last April, to about 50 cases per million in late July.

 

Without effective enforcement, Michigan will move backwards, causing individuals, businesses, and the economy to suffer. The governor’s directive therefore requires state departments and agencies to ensure that enforcement of COVID-19-related laws receives the priority that fighting a pandemic demands. Under the directive, directors and agency heads should assign elevated priority to enforcement of COVID-19-related laws in categories of establishments where transmission is well-documented, including but not limited to nursing homes, meat processing plants, and agricultural housing.

 

“Ensuring these executive orders are enforced across the state will protect Michigan families, small businesses, and the first responders on the front lines of this crisis,” said Governor Whitmer. “This fight is not over yet. During the month of July we saw an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in every region of the state. By allocating the appropriate and needed resources, we can continue to save lives and ensure we don’t have to move backward.”

 

Executive Directive 2020-08 requires departments to consider violations of law when determining eligibility for licensing. This includes any violation of relevant COVID-19 executive orders or epidemic orders. If a state department or agency becomes aware of non-compliance under the law they must consider it to be presumptive evidence of a “public health hazard” or “imminent and substantial hazard to the public health” and take appropriate steps to mitigate any risk to public health and safety. This includes, but is not limited to, suspension of a license or cessation of operation of a food establishment.

 

Ensuring the governor’s executive orders are enforced is necessary to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives. The Michigan State Police will enforce violations of these COVID-19 related laws, such as executive orders and DHHS epidemic orders, in the same manner as any other violation of law, applying their discretion as appropriate. Departments and agencies who become aware of a violation must share that information with relevant licensing authorities, and collaborate on enforcement to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

 

To view Executive Directive 2020-08, click the link below:

President Trump Grants Whitmer’s Request to Extend Michigan National Guard

President Trump Grants Whitmer’s Request to Extend Michigan National Guard

by | Aug 4, 2020 | Uncategorized

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

President Trump Grants Governor Whitmer’s Request to Extend Michigan National Guard Through December 31 to Assist With COVID-19

The president decides to only federally fund guard activities at 75%, leaving states with additional costs

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after President Trump granted her request that he authorize the use of Michigan National Guard forces for COVID-19 response through December 31, 2020. Title 32 authority, which allows Guard members to receive federal pay and benefits, was previously set to expire on August 21 due to a deadline set by the Trump Administration.

 

“Since COVID-19 was first discovered in our state, the Michigan National Guard has been a crucial part of our emergency response, from conducting testing and screening, distributing personal protective equipment, and assisting at food banks across the state” said Governor Whitmer. “Our dedicated guardsmen and women will continue to be a crucial part of our recovery efforts moving forward. I thank the president for granting my request, and implore him to work with Congress on a bipartisan recovery package that protects American families, frontline workers, and small business owners. The only way we will get through this is if leaders in the federal government put partisan games aside and work together to save lives.”

 

Governor Whitmer sent a letter to President Donald Trump on July 10th requesting that the president authorize the use of Michigan National Guard forces for COVID-19 response through December 31, 2020.

 

While Title 32 had been funded at 100 percent federal expense, the President has imposed a 25 percent state cost share from August 21 to December 31, 2020.

 

“While I am grateful for the extension, the president’s decision to federally fund Guard activities at only 75% leaves states across the country with an additional cost when we’re already facing severe holes in our state budgets. We need the president and Congress to work together in a bipartisan way to support states like Michigan.”