My Feelings: By Sammy Taormina

My Feelings: By Sammy Taormina

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Uncategorized

By Sammy Taormina
My Feelings.

Everything has seemed to change this time around from last year.

We were talking about football previews, outlooks for the season, you know. Everything looked normal.

Everything was normal until March 12th 2020.

That’s when the MHSAA cancelled the remaining winter sports tournaments and delayed the spring season.

I thought back then in March that was the darkest day in sports. Everything was on hold and society changed.

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer closed the schools down a two weeks later and the MHSAA would call off the seasons then I thought about the mental aspect of everyone and the pain and suffering that would come to ahead.

When Whitmer put a more restrictive lockdown in place (can’t go to vacation home, paint, and gardening) was when I was up at arms.

As the summer months came, I thought we had turned the corner as a State and things were starting to open back up. I was thinking that we could have a season for the Class of 2021, something that the Class of 2020 couldn’t have.

Then the parties, beach parties, large gatherings, lack of masks, and lack of social distancing showed its ugly head and more restrictions were put in place. I thought here we go again.

When the MHSAA decided to keep the seasons the same in Mid-July, I felt ok maybe we could get a sense of normalcy that the students, parents, coaches, and staff deserve even though I wanted the spring and fall sports to switch, maybe it would help but the league chose to keep everything the same.

As I wrote the football preview, the restrictions were still in place. All indoor gatherings can’t have fewer than ten people which means sports like volleyball and girls swimming and diving would have to work outdoors.

I felt confident that sports like boys soccer, cross country, tennis, and girls golf would get the go ahead to start their seasons even though boys soccer was deemed a moderate risk, I felt that there was enough distance between them to go ahead with their seasons.

In volleyball and girls swimming and diving I felt confident that they will get the go ahead but the problem for those sports is that they are indoors and Whitmer has the school gyms and pools still closed. I believe that schools have the right protocols but they need Whitmer to open up the school gyms and pools.

For football, I knew there were risks and every football program had safety measures in place but there were positive cases at Seaholm, Adams, and Clarkston in the summer and the beginning of the season. However due to the uncertainty and high risk of contact the sport provides the league decided to move football to the spring.

I knew that MHSAA Executive director Mark Uyl made mention that he was in constant contact with Whitmer’s office and medical experts. I have been very skeptical of Whitmer and medical experts from the very beginning but one thing that has me really upset is that medical experts and Whitmer doesn’t even attempt to look at this and see it.

The mental component.

With football being moved to the spring, I worry about the mental mindset of the students especially those who had their seasons taken away from them. I know parents, coaches, and athletes are very upset and I don’t blame them, they have every right to be. There are several petitions to get them to play in the fall but I don’t know. The mental aspect is the one that has me worried especially seeing kids not having a recourse like what football provides for them.

This is something I want Whitmer and medical experts to explain even though their coaches will give them the best recourse during this dark time.

Everything has changed from a year ago, I guess it’s time for us as a society to adjust as well.

Governors Urge the Census Bureau to Restore October 31 Deadline 

Governors Urge the Census Bureau to Restore October 31 Deadline 

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer and Governors from Across the Country Urge the Census Bureau to Restore October 31 Deadline

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Oregon Governor Kate Brown, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott sent a joint letter to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Commerce urging them to reinstate the Census collection and response period to October 31. The Census Bureau recently slashed the period by an entire month to September 30, 2020.

 

“The Trump Administration’s last-minute, under-the-cover-of-darkness changes to the U.S. Census deadline threaten our ability to get an accurate count, which will be used to determine Congressional representation and federal funding for the next decade,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is more important than ever that we be able to reach and account for every Michigander to ensure we receive funding for essential programs to help Michiganders recover from the COVID-19 crisis and be successful over the next decade – services like child care, education, foster care, and special education. I urge the U.S. Census Bureau to restore the Oct. 31 deadline to give states the time needed to get a complete and accurate count. I’m also calling on all Michigan residents to complete the Census immediately, whether it’s online, by phone, or by mail, to ensure our communities receive the resources they’ve worked so hard to earn.”

 

In April, Congress and the White House agreed to extend Census count operations through October 31 in light of the extraordinary challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is still a possibility that Congress will act to extend the statutory deadline for delivering the population count beyond December 31, 2020.

 

Despite this agreement, in August, the U.S. Census Bureau, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, quietly announced they were shortening the 2020 Census deadline to September 30, 2020.

 

Historically, the U.S. Census has undercounted minorities, immigrants, those living in poverty, and young children. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, confirmed, and highlighted pre-existing inequities in Michigan and disproportionately affected communities of color making it all the more important that these populations are counted.

 

In Michigan alone, 3.3 million people are considered Hard to Count (HTC) based on the Census Bureau’s own Low Response Score calculation which factors in internet access, rental rate and more to determine which areas are less likely to respond to the 2020 census. With the shortened timeline, the Trump Administration is making it nearly impossible to ensure these HTC communities are counted and as a result compromising funding for all Michiganders.

 

To view the letter, click the link below:

 

 

Emergency Order Requiring Testing

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Emergency Order Requiring Testing of Agricultural and Food Processing Employees Remains in Effect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon applauded a recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan regarding a lawsuit challenging the department’s order requiring testing to protect farm and food processing employees from COVID-19. The court denied a temporary restraining order regarding the department’s Emergency Order.

“MDHHS appreciates the judge’s ruling,” said Gordon. “The department’s goal is to save lives during a pandemic that has killed more than 6,300 people in Michigan. At a time when farms, food processing plants and migrant worker camps face 21 outbreaks, the best way to save lives is to support and test these hard-working employees.”

The order, which was announced on Aug. 3, remains in effect. It requires migrant housing camp operators
to provide COVID-19 testing as follows:

  • One-time baseline testing of all residents ages 18 and over.
  • Testing of all new residents with 48 hours of arrival, with separate housing for newly arriving residents for 14 days and a second test 10 – 14 days after arrival.
  • Testing of any resident with symptoms or exposure.

Employers of migrant or seasonal workers, meat, poultry and egg processing facilities and greenhouses with over 20 employees on-site at a time to provide COVID-19 testing as follows:

  • One-time baseline testing of all workers.
  • Testing of all new workers prior to any in-person work.
  • Testing of any worker with symptoms or exposure.

The deadline for businesses to comply is Aug. 24. Those seeking assistance with compliance can email [email protected]. Additional information, including a Frequently Asked Question document, is available on the COVID-19 website.

Failure to comply with this order may result in the issuance of a civil monetary penalty under the authority of MCL 333.2262.

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

Insurance and Financial Institutions Remain Available

Insurance and Financial Institutions Remain Available

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Insurance and Financial Institutions Remain Available to Consumers, Masks Must Be Worn, Except for Identification Purposes

Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 17, 2020

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers that insurance and financial institutions continue to be available to Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that masks are required to be worn over the nose and mouth to keep employees and customers safe during in-person transactions.

Michigan’s insurance offices, banks, credit unions, lenders, and other insurance and financial institutions are maintaining safe access to essential services for consumers. Customers are encouraged to continue to use drive throughs, online services, and mobile apps where possible. For any in-person services, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-153 requires the wearing of masks covering the nose and mouth in all indoor public spaces. Customers who cannot medically tolerate a face covering may be offered appropriate accommodations while maintaining the safety of employees and other guests, such as services by appointment or drive through. Individuals may be asked to temporarily remove face coverings for identification purposes. Proper confirmation of a customer’s identity before assisting with insurance and financial services is a necessary step to ensure the security of the account holder’s personal information.

Consumers are encouraged to call or check the website of their insurance or financial institution before visiting to learn about additional steps being taken to protect consumer and employee safety, including offering services by appointment or online.

Under Executive Directive 2020-08, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer Aug. 4, DIFS and other state departments must prioritize enforcement of COVID-19-related laws. Consistent with the Directive, if DIFS becomes aware of non-compliance under the law, DIFS will consider the non-compliance to be presumptive evidence of a public health hazard and take appropriate steps to mitigate any risk to public health and safety. If you suspect that a financial institution or insurance agency is not complying with Executive Order 2020-153, contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 or fill out a complaint form online.

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 residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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

Michigan families urged to embrace “power to protect”

by | Aug 17, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 14, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov 

Michigan families urged to embrace “power to protect” in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. – Vaccines are proven to protect people from serious diseases at every age. During National Immunization Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges you to talk to your health care provider to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines.

National Immunization Awareness Month is observed throughout the month of August and highlights the importance of getting all recommended vaccines throughout your life.

“Vaccinating on time and following CDC’s recommended schedule is the best protection against serious diseases like measles, hepatitis A, whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and influenza,” says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We have the power to protect not only ourselves, but our entire community, when we vaccinate on time, every time.”

Maintaining routine vaccination is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. On-time vaccinations protect individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, and can help reduce the burden on the health care system. This allows Michigan to conserve medical resources in case they are needed to care for people with COVID-19.

According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), as of June 2020 only 53.9 percent of Michigan children 19 through 35 months of age were fully immunized with recommended vaccines.

MDHHS encourages Michiganders to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout a child’s life. Adults, 19 and older, can take the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out which vaccines they may need. Routine vaccination is an essential preventive care service for children, adolescents and adults, including pregnant women, that should not be delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important that all Michiganders are up-to-date on recommended vaccines.

Parents should contact their child’s health care provider to find out what vaccines their child needs, schedule an appointment, and discuss the safety measures put in place to protect patients. If insurance coverage has been disrupted during this unprecedented time or there is concern about being able to afford childhood vaccines, there is a program that can help.

The Michigan Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines for children through age 18 years who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, or Alaska Native. Parents can contact their health care provider or local health department for more information. Please be aware the health departments remain active with COVID-19 response and may provide limited services at this time; call ahead for details.

During National Immunization Awareness Month, MDHHS joins Franny Strong Foundation, with whom it partners with on the I Vaccinate campaign, and other organizations across the nation to spread the message that vaccines are one of the safest ways to protect health and lower risks for certain diseases and cancers. MDHHS will be sharing information and resources on social media to highlight the importance of vaccines. Help us spread the word. Follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Facebook and Twitter (@MichiganHHS), and use #ivax2protect to share why you choose to vaccinate.