MDHHS asks Michiganders to “Mask Up, Mask Right”
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 15, 2020 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@ MDHHS asks Michiganders to “Mask Up, Mask Right” LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative to not only get Michiganders to mask up, but to mask right. “The science is now settled: Masks protect others from COVID – and they protect the wearer,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. We want all Michiganders to Mask Up, Mask Right as we continue to battle the virus in our state.” Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, medical-grade disposable masks or approved KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps. CDC has recommended the use of masks to protect the community by reducing emission of the virus and to protect the wearer by reducing inhalation. CDC cites a number of studies showing that masks have been effective. For example, one study showed that use of masks onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt was associated with a 70% reduced risk of COVID; another showed that, in a contact tracing investigation, those who reported wearing masks had a 70% lower risk of infection than those who did not. Published research by Beaumont Hospital in Southeast Michigan also showed that mask wearing was associated with lower levels of infection by COVID and, among those infected, lower levels of symptoms. Bandanas, gaiters and face shields without masks do not provide adequate protection for the wearer or others and are not recommended. “The delivery of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan means there will be an end to this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “However, it will take several months before we are able to have enough vaccine to widely distribute it to all Michiganders. Until then, and even for individuals who receive the vaccine, we should all be doing our part to slow the spread of this virus by wearing masks correctly, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands.” Residents in need of masks can pick one up from partner sites across the state, which includes most MDHHS local offices and Community Action Agencies. Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. |
The Lake Orion Village Council Meeting of 12-14-2020
Michigan Dairy Farmers Caught Up in Dean Foods Bankruptcy
Media Contacts: AG: Ryan Jarvi MDARD: Jennifer Holton FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan Dairy Farmers Caught Up in Dean Foods BankruptcyLANSING – The Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently learned that Dean Foods, the largest dairy processor in the United States, sent notices to a handful of Michigan dairy farmers who direct-shipped The notice is an attempt to force those dairy farmers who previously direct-shipped milk to Dean Foods to repay a portion of the amount Dean paid the farmers during the 90-day period before Dean filed for bankruptcy. While this action is a common practice under bankruptcy law, not all amounts paid in the normal course of business are subject to such claims. The issue was brought to the attention of Attorney General Dana Nessel last week by state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, who represents a few dairy farmers who direct-shipped milk to a Dean Foods plant in Marquette and may be affected. These farms are not represented by either the Michigan Milk Producers Association or the Dairy Farmers of America co-ops. A dairy inspector from MDARD is personally “We are disappointed that hard working dairy farmers and their families are put in the position of having to incur costs, either in paying the amount demanded or from obtaining legal counsel to defend themselves – and I want to personally thank Sen. McBroom for bringing this issue to my attention,” said Nessel. “Michigan’s dairy farmers provided milk in good faith fulfilling their contract with Dean Foods,” said Gary McDowell, MDARD director. “It’s disheartening that the company is now questioning those payments made to farming families.” “These U.P. dairy farms, and many others like them throughout Michigan, have suffered greatly during the coronavirus pandemic,” said McBroom. “Now, again, through no fault of their own, they are being punished for simply and responsibly doing their jobs to provide healthy products to consumers. I appreciate the Attorney General and MDARD taking an interest in this unfortunate situation and am hopeful it can be resolved without further harming these small family farms.” Dairy farmers with legal questions should consult their private legal counsel. Questions regarding the Dean Foods notice can be directed to Jeff Haarer in the Agriculture Development Division of MDARD at 517-896-2236. |
AG Warns of Drop-Shipping Scams During Holiday
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Media Contacts: Ryan Jarvi FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Attorney General Nessel Warns of Drop-Shipping Scams During Holiday SeasonLANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is back with another video for the 20 Days of Scams holiday consumer protection series to warn consumers about drop-shipping and potential scams as a result of the practice. Drop-shipping is when an individual or entity sets up a website and sells products that the seller does not actually have. When an order is placed, the seller sends it to a third party who then ships the product directly to the buyer. Consumers are essentially paying more than what a product costs for someone else to order the product for them. While drop-shipping is not illegal, there is a lot of room for problems and abuse for buyers and sellers. “It’s important for Michiganders to be extra careful when shopping online,” Nessel said. “In one’s eagerness to purchase a gift or other necessities this holiday season, consumers run the risk of falling into a scheme that will cost more money than it should. Drop-shippers may attempt to lure in customers with flashy websites and products that appear to be on sale, but consumers must be cautious that the websites they are visiting are legitimately run operations.” Many drop-shippers are trained to trick customers about where the product is coming from, going as far as using stolen photos from brick-and-mortar stores to trick customers into thinking the seller has a physical location. Another risk seen in some cases of drop-shipping is that the product seen online may not be the product a consumer receives – or worse, they never receive the product at all. To avoid falling victim to a drop-shipping scam, keep the following in mind:
Attorney General Nessel is committed to protecting Michigan consumers from drop-shipping schemes. Most recently, the Attorney General’s office reached an agreement with a drop-shipping operation called Direct Home Supplies after the online business allegedly violated the Michigan Consumer protection Act (MCPA). Click here to view more information about drop-shipping and other tips to protect your wallet this holiday season. |