MDHHS Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Quarantine
MDHHS Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Quarantine Period Based on New CDC Findings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated guidance on COVID-19 quarantine periods based on scientific findings released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
The CDC presented findings describing options to reduce the required number of quarantine days for individuals with known exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case. The existing 14-day recommendation was based on earlier data that estimated the COVID-19 incubation period. At the national level, estimates of the COVID-19 incubation period have been refined based on a review of case data for hundreds of thousands of cases.
Data from that assessment indicates that 99% of all infections will develop within 10 days of exposure. While a 14-day quarantine period is still standard, under certain conditions the CDC has presented an option for reducing the quarantine period for exposed individuals to 10 days after exposure.
Based on the evaluation of the CDC information, MDHHS is updating guidance to allow modifications to the quarantine period for Michigan residents in specific situations. While the standard 14-day quarantine period remains, it can be reduced to 10 days if the following two conditions exist:
- The individual does not develop any symptoms or clinical evidence of COVID-19 infection during daily symptom monitoring for the 10 days after the last exposure.
- Daily symptom monitoring continues through day 14 after the last exposure.
“We are basing this recommendation on scientific data from CDC and offering the opportunity to reduce the quarantine period to 10 days in certain circumstances,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Public health officials can still require the 14-day period as this option most greatly mitigates the possibility of transmission. We strongly urge the continued use of masks, social distancing and hand washing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
With consideration for existing and potential limitations on the availability of testing resources and concerns of increased turnaround time for lab results, MDHHS is currently reviewing options for further reduction of quarantine periods based on diagnostic testing results. MDHHS guidance may be updated at a later date based on that review.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
MDOT: Planning to clear snow from roads during a pandemic
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Small Business Administration Relief for Businesses Impacted by Cold Weather
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2020 Media Contact: Press@Michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Announces U.S. Small Business Administration Relief for Eligible Businesses Impacted by Cold Weather
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is making Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million available to eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits impacted by frost and freeze that occurred in May of this year. SBA extended the loans following the
These loans are available in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, Otsego and Wexford counties.
“This is good news for our small businesses and farmers who have routinely faced extreme weather conditions in our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m glad the federal government has recognized the need for this support, and I am eager to continue working with them to further assist Michigan businesses.”
Last June, Governor Whitmer
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.
Applications are due to SBA no later than July 26, 2021. |
Flags lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2020 Contact: Press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
LANSING, MICH. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, December 7, 2020 to honor the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, December 7 truly is ‘a day that will live in infamy,’” said Governor Whitmer. “We remember the courage and bravery of the men and women at Pearl Harbor, and honor the thousands of Americans who lost their lives during this tragic attack on our nation. I hope this day serves as a reminder of unity in the face of tragedy. I encourage each of us to draw upon these ideals as we work together to eliminate COVID-19 from Michigan.”
The State of Michigan extends its sincere gratitude to the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. Their selflessness and courage continue to inspire us to make sacrifices for our fellow Americans.
The State of Michigan observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. |