Michigan Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Monday

Michigan Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Monday

by | Mar 4, 2021 | Regional News

Michigan Expanding Access to Safe, Effective COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Monday

Michiganders over age 50 with medical conditions and disabilities and caregivers of children with special health care needs will be eligible March 8; all Michiganders over age 50 eligible March 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. To help reach the state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and bring a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials today announced the state is expanding vaccination eligibility beginning Monday, March 8. This change follows the announcement by President Joe Biden that ramped-up production will provide enough doses for 300 million Americans by the end May.

MDHHS is moving forward with the vaccination of Michiganders age 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities and caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs. Beginning Monday, March 22, vaccine eligibility will again expand to include all Michiganders 50 and older. To date, more than 40% of Michiganders age 65 and older have been vaccinated.

“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” said Governor Whitmer. “I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community. We’ve already administered over 2.3 million doses to Michiganders of all races and backgrounds, and yesterday’s announcement that our national supply will be enough to protect all Americans by the end of May is incredible news. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing and avoid large indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person. We will eliminate this virus together.”

“Over 2.3 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we know more vaccine is coming into the state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We are pleased to expand eligibility for more people to get vaccinated as we continue to focus on our most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. We are well on our way to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up. With three safe and effective vaccines now authorized for use, people should get the first vaccine available to them. These vaccines are the way we are going to end this pandemic.”

All vaccine providers may begin vaccinating the two new priority groups of 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities and caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs by Monday. Those eligible to receive a vaccine should:

  • Check the website of the local health department or hospital to find out their process or for registration forms; or
  • Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid or Cardinal Health (U.P. residents); or
  • Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or can call 2-1-1.

It is important to note that, while supplies are increasing, there remains a limited amount of vaccine available, so there may be a waitlist for available appointments. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will continue to move more quickly through the priority groups.

Last weekend, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 18 and older. The vaccine is deemed 85% effective in preventing severe disease. Michigan will receive 82,700 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.

All three vaccines in circulation demonstrate high efficacy against COVID-19, particularly with preventing hospitalizations, severe illness and deaths. The vaccines have comparable safety profiles, with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine having the benefit of a single dose.

MDHHS is accelerating vaccination of these individuals due to concern around disparity in life expectancy and in an effort to remove barriers to vaccine access. The state recently launched a COVID-19 vaccination strategy guided by the following guiding principles:

  • All Michiganders have equitable access to vaccines.
  • Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive, and actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
  • Communications are transparent, accurate, and frequent public communications to build public trust.
  • Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision making.
  • Resource stewardship, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement drive strategic implementation.

MDHHS follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for prioritization of distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. CDC recommendations are based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the federal advisory committee made up of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the United States.

The most recent vaccine prioritization guidance can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website.

Even with the increase of COVID-19 vaccinations, Khaldun urges everyone to continue to practice preventative measures such as properly wearing masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of the virus until the vast majority of people have been vaccinated.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

AG Supporting Schools’ Ability To Protect Students From Bullying 

AG Supporting Schools’ Ability To Protect Students From Bullying 

by | Mar 4, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 3, 2021

AG Nessel Joins Coalition Supporting Schools’ Ability To Protect Students From Bullying

Coalition Urges Supreme Court to Permit Schools to Address Harmful Off-Campus Speech that Substantially Disrupts School or Interferes with Students’ Learning 

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a friend-of-the-court brief urging the Supreme Court to preserve schools’ ability to address cyberbullying and other forms of off-campus bullying that substantially affects students’ education.

The coalition filed the brief in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., a case concerning the ability of schools to hold students accountable for off-campus speech, and does not support either party. Because of public schools’ obligation to protect students and promote learning, the Supreme Court has long given them more leeway to regulate student speech under the First Amendment than states have regarding adults’ speech. But the lower court in this case ruled that schools may never regulate students’ off-campus speech.

In their brief, the attorneys general urge the court to reject this rule, arguing that it would undermine state anti-bullying laws and prevent schools from addressing in-person and online bullying that originates off-campus. Instead, the coalition encourages the court to uphold an existing legal standard, which empowers schools to regulate speech that substantially disrupts school or interferes with other students’ ability to learn.

“Regardless of where it originates, bullying can have serious, long-lasting consequences on students and hinder their ability to learn,” Nessel said. “Education offers a wealth of opportunities for students, and we must make every effort to provide the world’s future leaders with the support they need to prepare for the challenges they will face. Schools must also have the ability to use every tool at their disposal to protect those students, and that’s why my colleagues and I urge the court to preserve their abilities to address this issue.”

In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, a landmark 1969 decision, the Supreme Court affirmed that students have First Amendment rights in public school settings but also recognized that school officials may regulate student speech that would “materially and substantially disrupt the work and discipline of the school” or interfere with the rights of other students. Every federal appellate court in the country, except the Third Circuit in the case now before the Supreme Court, has applied the Tinker standard to student speech that causes substantial disruption or harm at school, regardless of where the speech originates.

Bullying is a harmful and disruptive form of student behavior—often involving speech—that public schools across the country prohibit. Bullying can take many forms, including physical violence, threats, offensive insults or mocking. It can also take the form of indirect aggression, such as spreading false or harmful rumors or distributing embarrassing images of a targeted student. All 50 states have passed school anti-bullying laws, including laws requiring schools to establish anti-bullying policies and implement procedures to investigate and respond to bullying. More than two-thirds of these laws cover some bullying that occurs or originates off-campus, and most state anti-bullying laws incorporate Tinker’s standard of disruption to the school environment to determine when schools have authority to act.

In their amicus brief filed in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., the attorneys general do not take a position on the underlying facts of the case. Instead, they urge the court to treat students’ off-campus speech like any other students’ speech, allowing schools to regulate it when it has substantial effects on the school or other students’ learning, because:

  • Schools have a duty to provide a high-quality education to all students: Millions of school children experience bullying each year, and it oftentimes harms their ability to learn. In addition to making students feel unsafe at school, bullying has been shown to lower both short- and long-term academic performance of victims and perpetrators.
  • The line between on- and off-campus has been blurred by technology: Technology, electronic communications and social media allow students to remain connected to their school communities even outside of school hours and when they are not physically present at school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning has further blurred the line between on-campus and off-campus speech.
  • Cyberbullying is a growing problem: Technology has created new opportunities for bullying to occur and a growing number of school-aged children report being bullied by other students online, on their cell phones or on other electronic media. One recent survey found that 59% of teenagers in the United States have personally experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lives. In a 2019 nationally representative survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15.7% of high school students reported being bullied by another student through texting, Instagram, Facebook or other social media during the past year.
  • Bullying can become disruptive at school regardless of where it originates: Regardless of when and where it occurs, bullying can create a school climate in which student victims feel unsafe and unable to engage in learning. For example, children who are cyberbullied are more likely to report missing school because they feel unsafe at school or when traveling to or from school.
  • Students will lose critical protections from cyberbullying: The laws of 35 states and the District of Columbia require or permit schools to regulate cyberbullying that occurs off-campus, on non-school devices and on non-school online platforms. Students would lose these important protections if the court limits schools’ power to regulate off-campus speech.

Joining Attorney General Nessel in filing this brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
AG Opposes Proposal to Eliminate Immigration Programs

AG Opposes Proposal to Eliminate Immigration Programs

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 3, 2021

AG Nessel Opposes Proposal to Eliminate Immigration Programs That Promote Family Reunification

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined a coalition of attorneys general urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to withdraw the decision to terminate the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program (HFRP) and the Filipino World War II Veteran Parole Program (FWVP).

The HFRP, started in 2014, provides a pathway for Haitians with approved family-based immigrant visa applications to join family members in the United States prior to receiving their visas. USCIS later implemented the FWVP Program to similarly provide a pathway for reunifying Filipino World War II veterans in the United States with family members. The coalition asserts that these programs have brought relief to immigrants seeking to rejoin their families and escape increasingly dire conditions at home.

“These programs have allowed eligible immigrants to reunite more quickly with their families, and that is what our focus should be,” Nessel said. “The United States should not be in the business of prolonging the separation of families, and I stand by my colleagues to call on these federal agencies to reconsider their decisions and continue these programs that benefit our immigrant populations.”

The HFRP was established in December 2014 to assist with the reunification of families. The program gave eligible Haitians the opportunity to safely and legally immigrate to the United States more quickly while Haiti continued to face devastation and destruction following a catastrophic 2010 earthquake. The goal of the program continues to be promoting lawful, orderly migration and supporting Haiti’s long-term reconstruction and continued development. Two years following the successful implementation of the HFRP, the FWVP was created to assist aging Filipino World War II veterans living in the United States by allowing their family members to join them in the United States to offer care and support.

In their comments, the attorneys general argue that these programs should remain in place because:

  • The decision to terminate the programs has no basis in law and violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The coalition argues that the notice announcing the elimination of these programs relies upon an executive order and policy memorandum from the previous administration that are no longer in effect. Further, these documents provided no justification for ending the programs by their own terms and the stated rationale for ending the programs ignores the basis for their promulgation in the first place. The coalition also argues that the justifications for initiating these programs are just as compelling today as they were when first created, especially given current conditions in Haiti.
  • Termination of family reunification programs harms the states. The United States is home to the largest Haitian and Filipino migrant populations in the world. Denying Haitian and Filipino migrants a pathway for rapid reunification with their families would undermine the progress of these communities and the important social and economic contributions immigrants make to the states in which they reside. Moreover, the unnecessary separation of families can result in negative health outcomes and can be particularly traumatizing to children. The states, their residents and their health care programs would be forced to bear the burden of the effect of this separation.

Joining Nessel in the comment are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Whitmer Visits Miller-Rotunda Bridge in Dearborn

Whitmer Visits Miller-Rotunda Bridge in Dearborn

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 3, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

 

PHOTOS: Governor Whitmer Visits Miller-Rotunda Bridge in Dearborn Alongside Leaders and Elected Officials 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to the Miller-Rotunda Bridge in Dearborn to discuss her Bridge Bundling proposal, which would allow MDOT to administer $300 million to fix 120 local bridges in serious or critical condition, including the Miller-Rotunda Bridge in Dearborn.

 

“We must continue investing in critical infrastructure as we rebuild our economy for our families, small businesses, and communities,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud of the ongoing work here in Wayne County and look forward to visiting more worksites and projects. Together, we’re going to fix the damn roads and bridges.”

 

The Miller-Rotunda Bridge consists of two separate bridges that were both built in 1931. The bridges were last rehabilitated in 1983 and have an overall rating of critical condition.

 

The governor was joined by Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja.

 

Miller Rd. Bridge 1

Miller Rd. Bridge 2

Miller Rd. Bridge 3

Miller Rd. Bridge 4

 
food and agriculture workers encouraged to register to receive vaccine

food and agriculture workers encouraged to register to receive vaccine

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Regional News

Michigan’s food and agriculture workers encouraged to register to receive COVID-19 vaccine (Protect Michigan Commission)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2021
Contact: Angela Minicuci, aminicuci@martinwaymire.com, 248-765-0558

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s food processing and agricultural workers are encouraged to register to receive a COVID-19 vaccination appointment as eligibility expands to Michiganders working in the food and agriculture sector.

“Throughout the pandemic, Michigan’s food and agriculture workers have been the backbone of our food supply chain and our rural economy,” said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I am pleased Michigan food and agricultural workers are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine because getting the vaccine is essential for their health and safety, the safety of their communities, and the stability of our food supply chain in Michigan.”

Those frontline essential workers who are eligible to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as of March 1 includes food processing workers such as employees at meat processing and meatpacking facilities; workers who process fruit and vegetables; dairy processing; animal feed manufacturing; food and animal feed ingredient manufacturing; beverage production; and the production of food packaging.

“As a fruit processor in rural Michigan, and an employer of over 800 essential associates, Peterson Farms is appreciative of the announcement that food/ag workers will now be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination,” said Grant Boring, Marketing and Communications Manager for Peterson Farms. “In preparation for this phase, Peterson Farms, in collaboration with MDARD and the District 10 Health Department, has been diligent in sharing resources and information with our associates to educate and inform them of the importance of getting the vaccine.”

Eligibility also includes farm workers, including migrant and seasonal workers, involved in raising, cultivating, harvesting, packing, storing, and distributing agricultural commodities, and those that work in close proximity to others.

“We want to make sure the dedicated Michiganders employed in our state’s food production facilities around the state have the tools and information they need to receive the vaccine,” said Mike Johnston, VP Government Affairs, of Michigan Manufacturers Association. “We will work with these facilities in their efforts to educate employees about the vaccine and eradicate the spread of the virus.”

Eligible food and agriculture workers can register in the following ways:

  • Check the website of your local health department or hospital for sign-ups or registration forms.
    • Check the appropriate essential food/agricultural worker option.
  • Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 2-1-1. Multiple languages are available.
  • Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health (U.P. residents).

“The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for many food and agricultural employees in Michigan is a very positive step in the process to vaccinate Michiganders, and we encourage everyone in the agriculture sector to register for the vaccine so they can receive it as soon as possible,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and Protect Michigan Commission Rural Workgroup chair. “The Michigan Agri-Business Association appreciates our state leaders for taking decisive action to get Michiganders vaccinated. We will continue to do all we can to encourage agricultural workers and people in rural communities to get a COVID-19 vaccine.”

More than two million Michiganders have received the approved COVID-19 vaccine since December 2020. Vaccine prioritization guidance can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website. More information can be found at Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

Workplace Safety Ambassador Program surpasses 2,000 free consultations

Workplace Safety Ambassador Program surpasses 2,000 free consultations

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Regional News

MIOSHA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Ambassador Program surpasses 2,000 free consultations for Michigan businesses

MIOSHA and NSF International help employers minimize COVID-19 risks, find strong implementation of workplace safety requirements

March 2, 2021

Media Contact: Camara Lewis, 517-930-4928

Over 2,000 businesses across Michigan have participated in the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) COVID-19 Workplace Safety Ambassador Program since September 2020. MIOSHA in partnership with NSF International provides workplace safety ambassadors who help Michigan businesses better implement COVID-19 regulations and best practices. Overall, the Ambassadors have reported high rates of willingness to participate, compliance with COVID-19 workplace safety requirements, and eagerness to enhance protocols as suggested by the consultants.

“Businesses have been through a lot over the past year, and they need support as we continue our economic recovery,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “MIOSHA’s Ambassador program helps businesses implement effective COVID-19 safety measures and follow public health guidance for free. I am proud of this new program, and I encourage business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to reopen and stay open.”

To better capture the business response, a new MIOSHA video documents the Ambassador Program and highlights several Michigan businesses speaking about the benefits of the program.

“This free educational program can help Michigan employers protect their employees, customers and local communities from the spread of COVID-19,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman.  “We have found the majority of the state’s job providers are implementing strategies to keep their workplaces safe and we encourage them to utilize the Ambassador Program and all of MIOSHA’s COVID-19 safety resources.”

Employers, who might normally be hesitant to invite workplace safety regulators into their businesses, are embracing the Ambassador Program. As part of the MIOSHA program, NSF ambassadors work with Michigan businesses to ensure they understand and implement the appropriate COVID-19 workplace safety regulations. Through both pop-in and scheduled visits, they offer free education and one-on-one support to help businesses apply safety precautions to their individual situations.

To date, the educational outreach program utilizing NSF staff has been primarily focused on retail stores, restaurants and fitness centers, but recently MIOSHA announced it would begin offering Ambassador visits to childcare centers across the state. Internal MIOSHA consultants will also provide Ambassador services to other industries upon request.

Ambassadors have reported that over 90%of businesses visited are complying with face covering, cleaning and disinfection and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. But the Ambassadors have seen opportunities for continued education and improvement in employee training, record keeping, COVID-19 signage and written plan documents.

“We commend MIOSHA for establishing the Ambassador program to help Michigan businesses further reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace through voluntary and cooperative safety education and training,” said Rich Studley President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Employers can request a COVID-19 workplace safety Ambassador visits online. NSF Ambassadors plan to visit thousands of additional Michigan businesses during the coming months. Businesses that participate in the Ambassador program may receive official signage from MIOSHA to recognize their COVID-19 workplace safety commitment.

“Our Ambassadors have seen a great appetite for COVID-19 workplace safety education among Michigan businesses,” said Paul Medeiros, Managing Director of Consulting and Technical Services at NSF International. “Business owners can see that the Ambassador visits are consultative, collaborative and valuable. We are here to help them succeed during the pandemic and stay open safely with the appropriate COVID-19 controls in place.”

Educational materials in the Ambassador toolkit can be found at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety, including:

Individuals with specific questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the hotline at 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).

Businesses looking to schedule their free consultation with a MIOSHA Ambassador can get started at, Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.

Business testimonials

“This is one of those opportunities where the state is just here to help,” said Mike Stack, owner, Applied Fitness Solutions. “The Ambassador Program can help accelerate the process of implementing good guidelines to keep staff and customers safe, while saving your business money and time.”

“The program has been great because the Ambassador is there to show you how to improve and correctly implement safety precautions,” said Kris Spaulding, owner, Brewery Vivant. “This process has helped build up confidence that we are doing our best to keep staff and customers safe.”