Monthly Archives: May 2020

(May 7, 2020 10:20 AM) As the positive impact of social distancing begins to flatten the curve for COVID-19 cases statewide, Mercy Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System are resuming select services and surgeries to safely provide clinically necessary care for the health and well-being of area patients. "While we know COVID concerns are still high, we don't want patients' conditions to deteriorate or urgent needs to become emergent due to a reluctance to seek appropriate care," said Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, M.D., Ph.D, MHSA, chief clinical officer for Trinity Health Michigan. "We are working together with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Health and Hospital Association and our fellow health systems in a coordinated effort to begin treating patients for both ambulatory and hospital-based non-COVID issues." As outlined in the Governor's Stay at Home, Stay Safe executive order enacted in mid-March, the health system has only performed time sensitive essential surgeries, including urgent and emergent procedures, as determined by its physicians and their patient’s health care needs. Through a phased reopening approach, the health system is now focusing on addressing health conditions that may not be imminently life threatening, but will result in overall worsening of the…

(May 7, 2020 8:33 AM) More than 2,700 small businesses around Michigan have been awarded a total of $10 million in grants by local economic development organizations through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The program was launched to provide relief for small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. “The Michigan Small Business Relief Program grants were intended to provide critical capital to support the health and sustainability of the state’s small businesses, communities and workforce,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “By collaborating with our local economic development partners, we were able to deliver vital resources to small businesses all across Michigan.” The grants under the Michigan Small Business Relief Program are intended to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce and may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business. The Michigan Small Business Relief Program grants, authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund on March 19, were administered by 15 local and nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) around Michigan. The EDOs…

(May 6, 2020 8:49 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-76, extending and building upon her earlier executive orders expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.   The Executive Order expedites benefits for tens of thousands of Michiganders who have filed for unemployment benefits by allowing the state to review only an individual’s most recent job separation, which is the cause of the current unemployment, to determine the individual's benefit entitlement.  “Nobody should have to worry about how to put food on the table or pay their bills, especially during a crisis. Michiganders everywhere have lost work because of COVID-19, and we must ensure they receive the benefits they’re entitled to as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Governor Whitmer said. “This Executive Order will take us one step closer toward that goal by temporarily eliminating red tape as we continue to flatten the curve of this deadly disease.”    The Executive Order also extends Executive Order 2020-57, which:  Expands the state’s workshare program, offering more tools to employers to reduce layoffs and restart their business.  Extends unemployment benefits to workers:  Who have an unanticipated family care responsibility.  Who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access…