Monthly Archives: May 2020

(May 22, 2020 5:24 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-100 to extend Michigan’s Safer at Home order until June 12, 2020. The governor’s order also protects Michiganders from the spread of COVID-19 by extending the temporary closure of certain places of public accommodation such as theaters, gyms, and casinos.  The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-99 to extend the state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was upheld by Judge Cynthia Stephens on May 21, 2020. Since COVID-19 was first discovered in Michigan, Governor Whitmer has taken swift action to protect Michigan families and workers. The governor’s aggressive measures are working, but there is still more to be done. For instance, cases in some counties in Western and Mid-Michigan are now doubling approximately every 10 days. To continue to protect Michigan families from both the public health and economic impacts of the virus, and to lower the chance of a second wave, the governor’s emergency declaration is extended until June 19, 2020.  “While the data shows that we are making progress, we are not out of the woods yet. If we’re going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors…

(May 22, 2020 5:20 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-101, extending the validity of watercraft registrations that expired after February 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.   “As temperatures continue to warm up, recreational boaters should not have to worry about their watercraft registration expiring at no fault of their own,” Governor Whitmer said. “This Executive Order will allow all watercraft users to safely take full advantage of this beautiful weather and Michigan’s pristine lakes and rivers, while minimizing in-person work in order to flatten the COVID-19 curve.”    “I appreciate Governor Gretchen Whitmer extending these expirations,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “It will give flexibility and peace of mind to watercraft owners across the state, and reduce in-person interactions at Secretary of State branch offices.”  New watercraft can be operated in Michigan waters until July 31, 2020 without displaying an identifying number and decal, provided the operator of the vessel possesses a proof of purchase or equivalent evidence that the vessel was acquired after January 1, 2020. Additionally, law enforcement cannot issue tickets as a result of watercraft decals that expired after September 30, 2019. The state cannot assess late fees for expired decals as long as boaters renew their registration by July 31.  Boaters…

(May 22, 2020 5:17 PM) Following the completion Friday of testing prisoners at Michigan Reformatory in Ionia for COVID-19, the Michigan Department of Corrections has completed its goal of testing every prisoner in its system. The department had been testing symptomatic prisoners since late March and had done well more than a thousand tests. In mid-April, the MDOC started the mass testing of several facilities on its own as a continuation of its proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus in its facilities.  “When it comes to this virus, testing is critical to knowing exactly what you are dealing with and how to address it,” MDOC Director Heidi Washington said. "The vast majority of the prisoners we found who tested positive had no symptoms and were making it more challenging to control the spread of this illness." In order to accomplish this feat of testing every prisoner, the MDOC reached out to the Michigan National Guard for their assistance and they stepped up to the challenge.   “We simply could not have achieved this goal, this quickly without the assistance of the Michigan National Guard,” Washington said. “Their professionalism, expertise and proficiency were simply invaluable.”  In less than…

(May 22, 2020 4:26 PM) Henry Ford Health System is moving to resume a full slate of services in the coming weeks with new measures in place at all of its facilities to protect the health and safety of patients, visitors and team members. The measures reflect the new normal in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. As services are ramped up as part of a phasing in strategy that emphasizes safety, patients will see changes as they arrive for a radiology screening, surgery or in-person doctor’s appointment: All patients, visitors and team members are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the building. This includes a temperature check. Those who show possible signs of illnesses are referred for proper medical care. Masks are always to be worn by patients, visitors and team members. Henry Ford will provide a mask for those who need one upon entry. Six-foot social distancing guidelines are in place for waiting, seating and lobby areas. Elevators are limited to the number of riders that can be accommodated safely. Floor markings indicate where patients should stand in the elevators. Visitor restrictions continue. Patients scheduled for a surgery or some procedures are tested for the coronavirus. All…

(May 22, 2020 3:39 PM) The Jackson County Health Department has issued guidance for safe practices during the Memorial Day weekend: During this holiday weekend and as warmer weather continues, we all want to start gathering to celebrate. Residents are encouraged to continue practicing safe steps to reduce the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. When possible, choose activities or behaviors that are lower risk, such as keeping six feet apart rather than standing close to one another and gathering outside rather than indoors. If you choose to gather in a large indoor space, make sure the area is cleaned and disinfected before and after the gathering. The more low risk choices you make during a gathering, the more protection you have from getting or spreading COVID-19. The following are tips for a safer gathering: 1. Keep it small. A gathering should be under 10 people. 2. Meet outside. 3. Stay at least six feet apart. 4. Wash or sanitize hands often. 5. Wear masks if possible. 6. Do not share food, drinks, or other items. Have everyone bring their own snacks or serve food with single-use serving utensils. Jackson residents are also reminded of general safety tips. If you…