Monthly Archives: March 2020

(March 20, 2020 9:43 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement regarding instructional time during school closure. "Earlier today the Michigan Department of Education issued a memo regarding Instructional Time During School Closure. I know it caused a lot of confusion and panic among schools, teachers, students, and families. I wanted to provide some clarification from the perspective of the Governor’s Office. "The memo does not mean that school work done during the mandatory school closure won’t 'count' toward grades, credits, or graduation. Each district should determine what services and supports they are able to provide during this unprecedented crisis. Many are focusing on meeting basic needs and are working around the clock to provide breakfast and lunch for hungry students. Other districts have the ability to provide more learning support as a result of one-to-one technology initiatives. I am in awe of the work that school employees are doing to support their kids and I applaud their efforts. "As you know, the situation has changed rapidly over the course of the past ten days. We do not know what the future will hold, but we are absolutely committed to ensuring the needs of our students, parents, and…

(March 20, 2020 7:12 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-19, which allows tenants and mobile home owners to remain in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic even if they are unable to stay current on their rent. The order also relieves courts from certain statutory restrictions to enable them to stay eviction-related proceedings until after the COVID-19 emergency has passed. The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until April 17 at 11:59 p.m.  “Families across the state are facing a number of uncertainties, from concerns about their health and well-being and that of their loved ones to when their next paycheck will arrive. Worrying about whether they’ll be evicted from their home, apartment or mobile home should not be on this list,” Governor Whitmer said. “This executive order will ease a burden on families struggling to make ends meet and allow them to focus on what’s most important — staying safe and healthy.”  “We continue to urge all Michigan families to remain focused on putting their health first and making smart decisions to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Jeff Donofrio, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “This order,…

(March 20, 2020 6:39 PM) CP Federal Credit Union is adjusting service hours and only drive-thru will be available starting Monday.  From CP Federal Credit Union:  Through careful consideration of the safety of our members and staff, and so that we can continue to provide essential services over time, we have updated our drive-thru hours and services, effective Monday, March 23.  

(March 20, 2020 5:27 PM) Effective Saturday, March 21, Indian Trails, Inc., is suspending all of its daily scheduled bus service, which includes routes throughout Michigan, and into Chicago, Milwaukee and Duluth, as well as connections with the Greyhound and Amtrak national transportation networks. Approximately 80 communities served by these bus runs are affected. The decision to temporarily suspend service is based on a number of different factors, including a sharp decline in passenger demand as business and government authorities at all levels impose restrictions on non-essential travel.  Additionally, many terminal locations served throughout Michigan are closing as a result of COVID-19 and the concerns for the safety of employees and staff.  Another factor taken into account was the ongoing schedule changes of connecting carriers, which raises the concern that passengers might possibly become stranded before reaching their final destinations. From Indian Trails: “Passengers holding unused tickets for travel on any of these routes can call (800) 292-3831 for ticket reissues or refunds. "We expect the suspension of daily scheduled service to continue at least until April 20, but we’ll continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds." About Other Bus Services Following is the current status of other bus…

(March 20, 2020 5:19 PM) In a press briefing this afternoon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed several rumors that she says are floating around on social media.  Referencing her request to the Trump Administration for funding for the Michigan National Guard, Whitmer said, “I am calling on the National Guard to assist with assembling and delivering critical medical supplies.  I am not calling for Martial Law”. “There is lots of talk on social media…people stirring things up.  This is doing nothing but creating anxiety and fear…” Whitmer said.  As to requiring a total shutdown or a shelter in place order, similar to one announced by California Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday, Whitmer said, “Let me be very clear, we are not there.”  She added, “Not that we wouldn’t do so in the future.  At some point we might have to take more aggressive action, but we’re not there yet”. Whitmer said, “This week has truly brought out the best in Michigan” as she highlighted Michigan companies who are contributing equipment, supplies and services.  Whitmer also listed several executive orders and the cooperation the state has received in their implementation.  “In the past two days, I have signed executive orders expanding child care…

 (March 20, 2020 4:48 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-17, which imposes temporary restrictions on non-essential medical and dental procedures beginning as soon as possible but no later than March 21, 2020 at 5:00pm.  Executive Order 2020-17 states that hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, and dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities, must implement a plan to temporarily postpone all non-essential procedures until the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.   “My number one priority remains to flatten the curve and protect the most people we can from the spread of coronavirus,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our health care workers are on the front lines every day protecting Michiganders during these extraordinary and difficult times. By postponing all non-essential medical and dental procedures, we expect to reduce the strain on the health care system and protect people. My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during these challenging times.”  "By putting this order into place, we will be able to reduce the strain on our healthcare community," said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief…