Oakland Health Order Extended

by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

Oakland Health Order Extended in Alignment with State and CDC Employee Screening Requirements Stay in Place at all Open Businesses

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Officer Leigh Anne Stafford has issued Health Order 2020-10, which extends the provisions in Health Order 2020-7 to include newly opened businesses. It requires daily screening of employees for symptoms and the wearing of face coverings and is aligned with the Gov. Whitmer’s orders and guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for any employees who encounter the public.

“As we begin a phased re-opening of the economy, it is vital that the strict protocols we have in place extend to all open businesses,” County Executive David Coulter said. “These protocols protect employees and customers and they will reassure the public that every step is being taken to prevent a second spike of the virus as we shift to new phases of re-opening our economy.”

The order, which takes effect immediately, also requires compliance with social distancing measures in previous orders. Exempt from this order are healthcare organizations with an infection control program.

Screening procedures for employees include checking for fever, preferably with a no-touch thermometer; shortness of breath, and other symptoms such as chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell and/or diarrhea (excluding diarrhea due to known medical reason), and extreme fatigue. The screener must also ask whether the employee has travelled internationally or outside of Michigan in the last 14 days. The Health Order outlines the steps to take when an employee answers yes to any of these questions.

“Oakland County residents have been so supportive practicing social distancing to flatten the curve and slow the transmission of COVID-19,” Health Officer Leigh-Anne Stafford said. “While social distancing plays a key role in continuing to reduce transmission, face coverings and employee screenings will be essential as businesses reopen according to the governor’s orders.”

Persons should not utilize N95 rated masks or surgical masks, as those are critical supplies for healthcare workers, police, fire, EMS, emergency management, or other persons engaged in life/saving activities. Businesses are required to post the Health Order at the entrance of their buildings and make it available to members of the public by all reasonable means available.

Health Order for screening at businesses 2020-10.pdf

MDOT closing Maple Road under I-75 tomorrow

by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020

CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, MorosiR@Michigan.gov

MDOT closing Maple Road under I-75 tomorrow

for bridge beam setting in Oakland County

Fast facts:

– Starting Tuesday, crews will be setting bridge beams on the southbound I-75 bridge over Maple Road.

– The right lane of southbound I-75 will be closed at Maple Road during this work.

– Maple Road will reopen to traffic by 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12.

May 11, 2020 — Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracting crews will be closing both directions of Maple Road under I-75 to set bridge beams starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12. Maple Road will reopen to traffic by 8 p.m. that evening. During the beam setting operation, the right lane of southbound I-75 will be closed at Maple Road.

Currently, both directions of I-75 have two lanes open with all traffic using the northbound side of the freeway, separated by a temporary concrete barrier. This configuration will allow for the southbound lanes and bridges to be reconstructed this year. Upon reopening, the right lane of westbound Maple Road will remain closed.

The posted detour for eastbound Maple Road includes Stephenson Highway, Big Beaver and John R. roads. The westbound Maple Road detour includes John R., Big Beaver and Rochester roads.

Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75.

ESSENTIAL WORK: This road construction project is an essential function. Transportation workers in the field follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit their risk of getting sick.

Federal stimulus for roads and Rebuilding Michigan

by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

Talking Michigan Transportation: Federal stimulus for roads and Rebuilding Michigan

This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast includes conversations about whether the federal government will provide any relief for transportation agencies in the wake of declining fuel tax revenues because of the pandemic. First, Lloyd Brown, director of communications at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, offers his analysis of the ongoing Congressional discussions.

Later, MDOT Finance Director Patrick McCarthy talks about Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program and plans to sell some of the bonds this year.

Will there be help from Washington?

Many scholars and analysts have argued that this an opportune time to raise the federal gas tax, last increased in 1993, not indexed to inflation, which has increased 77 percent since then. Jeff and Lloyd talk about an op/Ed in The Hill, where Bernard L. Weinstein, associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute and adjunct professor of business economics in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, makes the case for doing something now.

The inflation-adjusted cost of gasoline today is about where it was 50 years ago. Weinstein questions whether Congress will squander a unique opportunity to hike the federal gasoline tax and replenish the Highway Trust Fund.

His thinking is in line with that of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which has advocated for a 25-cent increase in the federal gas tax. “Our nation’s infrastructure is deteriorating and only getting worse. By 2025, our crumbling infrastructure will cost American businesses $7 trillion,” said Chamber CEO Tom Donohue.

Will Congress agree on another round of stimulus that includes aid to states and cities and funding for roads and bridges? The debate revolves around the administration’s push for payroll tax cuts and some lawmakers’ advocacy for a pandemic liability shield.

Rebuilding Michigan

MDOT’s McCarthy explains the bond sale process and how it will support the Rebuilding Michigan plan. Earlier this year, Gov. Whitmer asked the State Transportation Commission to authorize bonds to rebuild some of the state’s busiest freeways. The STC voted to authorize up to $3.5 billion in bonds.

Meanwhile, other states are eyeing bond sales to shore up funding. In Texas, where Transportation Commission is preparing to issue $880 million of general obligation refunding bonds.

Listen now at https://soundcloud.com/talking mitransportation/tracks.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

State Leaders Work to Ensure Water is Restored to Michigan Residents

by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

Contact: Hugh McDiarmid 517-230-7724

Today, Michigan leaders encouraged those without residential water service due to nonpayment to reach out to local water departments for reconnection. All occupied homes without water are entitled to have service reconnected by local water departments based on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-28. Hand washing and proper hygiene can help slow the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus.

On March 28, Whitmer ordered the restoration of water service to ensure at-risk households have access to clean water for hand washing and other critical sanitation needs. Since then more than 1,500 residences have had water service restored, however many residents may not be aware of their eligibility, have concerns about the process or have experienced barriers.

“Running water is essential to protecting families from COVID-19 transmission, and we want to make sure all Michigan residents have access during this health emergency,” said Governor Whitmer. “For those who’ve not yet been reconnected, there is help available both at the local and state levels to get the tap turned on.”

No upfront payment is required for reconnection. All occupied residences where nonpayment was the reason for disconnection are required to be reconnected under the governor’s order. It remains in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, unless connection of the home creates a public health risk for others.

Residents are not required to provide a copy of their deed or lease agreement to have water restored during the COVID-19 emergency. Although water bills will continue to accrue during the emergency, residents can work with local water departments to arrange for payment at the conclusion of the emergency.

If residents experience barriers to reconnection, they can contact the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) at 1-800-662-9278.

“Slowing the spread of COVID 19 requires handwashing and that is virtually impossible without water,” said EGLE Director Liesl Clark. “That’s why the executive order requiring local water departments to reconnect homes during this health crisis was issued. It is important that everyone understands the steps to take to make that happen.”

Michigan residents without running water should take the following steps:

Contact your local water department and tell them you are eligible for reconnection under the governor’s executive order. If you are unsure how to reach your water department, contact your local city, village or township offices to find out. Detroiters can call the city’s reconnection hotline at 313-386-9727.

If you are unable to reach your water provider or they are unwilling or unable to restore service, you may obtain assistance from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) at 1-800-662-9278. EGLE Clean Water Public Advocate Ninah Sasy monitors every request for assistance. She will work with local suppliers to resolve the concern and will elevate issues directly to the office of Governor Whitmer as necessary.

Once your service is reconnected, it is important to properly flush the pipes to clear stagnant water that may have collected contaminants. Guidance on flushing is available in English, in Spanish, and in Arabic. Guidance on flushing appliances that use water – like refrigerator icemakers or water softeners, is also available in English, in Spanish, and in Arabic. A video (in English) on how to properly flush systems is available here.

For residents struggling with heat and electric bills during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilities across the state have suspended non-payment disconnections for low-income and senior customers for the duration of the emergency. Information and tips on managing utility bills are available here through the Michigan Public Service Commission.

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

Governor Whitmer Extends Stay Home, Stay Safe Order

by Becky Andrus | May 7, 2020 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2020

Media Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Extends Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, Reopens Manufacturing as Part of her MI Safe Start Plan

Michigan’s Big 3 Auto Manufacturers Can Return to Work on May 11th

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-77 to extend Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28. The governor’s order will allow manufacturing workers, including those at Michigan’s Big 3 auto companies, to resume work on Monday, May 11 as part of her MI Safe Start Plan.

“This is good news for our state, our businesses, and our working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but this is an important step forward on our MI Safe Start plan to re-engage our economy safely and responsibly. As we continue to phase in sectors of our economy, I will keep working around the clock to ensure our businesses adopt best practices to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19. When we all keep doing our part, we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly.”

Under Executive Order 2020-77, manufacturing facilities must adopt measures to protect their workers from the spread of COVID-19. That includes conducting a daily entry screening protocol for workers and everyone else entering the facility, including a questionnaire covering symptoms and exposure to people with possible COVID-19, together with a temperature screening as soon as no-touch thermometers can be obtained. They must also create dedicated entry points at every facility, and suspend entry of all non-essential in-person visits, including tours.

“Governor Whitmer has brought together leaders in business and labor to ensure our workers can return to the job safely. The safety of our workers is our top priority and I am confident that Michigan manufacturers are prepared to deliver on the worker protections included in today’s order,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “We believe the manufacturing industry has a big role to play in Michigan’s economic recovery and we’re ready to lead the way. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the governor to bring the manufacturing industry back up to full strength.”

Manufacturing facilities must also train workers on, among other things, how COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or suspected or confirmed diagnosis, and the use of personal protective equipment.

All businesses in the state—including manufacturers—must require masks to be worn when workers cannot consistently maintain six feet of separation from others, and consider face shields for those who cannot consistently maintain three feet of separation from other workers.

“MICHauto and the Detroit Regional Chamber applaud the Governor for her continued steps to safely re-open our economy. Automotive and manufacturing is not only the backbone of our regional and state economy, it is essential to the functioning of the global supply chain. This is good news for Michigan and the nation,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto, and vice president of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives for the Chamber.

“We have supported Governor Whitmer’s approach to keeping families, communities and companies safe since the beginning of this pandemic,” said Andi Owen, President and CEO of Herman Miller. “Our manufacturing teams are at the heart of our company. Working within the governor’s guidelines will help to ensure we maintain the safest environment for our employees, both as they come to work and return home to their families.”

The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect until May 28, 2020. Under this order, Michiganders still must not leave their homes except to run critical errands, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs.

To view executive order 2020-77, click the link below:

EO 2020-77.pdf

Ramp reconstruction and recycling operations to close southbound I-75 exits

by Becky Andrus | May 7, 2020 | Uncategorized

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, MorosiR@Michigan.gov

Ramp reconstruction and recycling operations to close southbound I-75 exits to Big Beaver and Rochester roads

Fast facts:

– Starting Saturday morning, crews will close the temporary southbound I-75 exits to Big Beaver and Rochester roads.

– The ramp closures are needed for reconstructing the southbound I-75 exit ramps and for recycling operations at the ramp to Rochester Road.

– Southbound I-75 exits at Square Lake, Adams and 14 Mile roads will remain open.

May 7, 2020 — Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracting crews will be closing the temporary southbound I-75 exits to Big Beaver and Rochester roads starting at 5 a.m. Saturday, May 9. Both ramps will be reconstructed. The Big Beaver Road ramp is expected to remain closed until mid-June. During the ramp closure, traffic will be detoured to 14 Mile Road.

The temporary Rochester Road exit ramp is being closed for reconstruction and recycling operations. The existing southbound freeway pavement is being removed and crushed for use as the new sub-base. The Rochester Road exit ramp is scheduled to be closed until mid-August. During the ramp closure, traffic will be detoured to 14 Mile Road.

Currently, both directions of I-75 have two lanes open with all traffic using the northbound side of the freeway, separated by a temporary concrete barrier, between Adams and 13 Mile roads. Motorists will be able to exit southbound I-75 at Square Lake, Adams and 14 Mile roads.

Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75.

ESSENTIAL WORK: This road construction project is an essential function. Transportation workers in the field follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit their risk of getting sick.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »