Monthly Archives: June 2020

(June 29, 2020 11:44 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-138 and Executive Order 2020-137 to increase access to healthcare through telehealth options and protect migrant agricultural workersliving in congregate housing from the risk of outbreaks.  Executive Order 2020-138 rescinds and replaces the governor’s previous order on telehealth, 2020-86, and removes provisions no longer needed after the governor signed House Bills 5412, 5413, 5414, 5415 and 5416.   “Last week, I was proud to sign the bipartisan bill package that will increase telehealth access. I am prepared to continue to work with the Legislature on appropriate legislation to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the effects of this global pandemic on the people of Michigan.” said Governor Whitmer. “But COVID-19 is still present in Michigan, and it remains necessary to continue to promote the use of telehealth services to limit exposure and protect against the virus.”  Executive Order 2020-137 extends her previous order and takes effect immediately and continues until the end of the growing season on November 1, 2020. The order requires owners and operators of employer-provided migrant housing licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) provide residents with the same safeguards businesses are required to provide workers under Executive Order 2020-97. This includes creating a COVID-19 response plan, providing Personal Protective Equipment and following social distancing measures.  “Michigan’s migrant…

(June 29, 2020 9:58PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield released the following statement after reaching a bipartisan budget agreement, which includes adjustments to the fiscal year 2020 budget and allocation of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars. The budget agreement includes modest reductions in current year funding but also provides CARES Act funding for Michigan schools and educators, universities and community colleges, and local governments to address the significant COVID 19 costs they’re facing.   “COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on our state budget.  In this time of crisis, it is our responsibility to come together and build a budget that reflects a bipartisan commitment to the things we value most as Michiganders. This agreement provides crucial funding for Michigan families, schools, and communities grappling with costs incurred as a result of the virus.   "Our collective priority is a healthy state and a healthy economy. We are committed to working together to address the remaining shortfalls in next year’s budget and we are looking to our partners in Congress for support to help maintain the essential services relied upon by our families and small businesses.”  Budget Agreement.pdf

(June 29, 2020 3:37 PM) Michigan reported 236 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 63,497. The State of Michigan is reporting 4 COVID-19-related death today, bringing the state total to 5,915. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 6/26/2020): 51,099.  This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.

(June 29, 2020 2:33 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed additional police reform policies to help strengthen police-community relations and ensure that all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law. The four-pronged plan, which was developed in partnership with community leaders and law enforcement organizations, will make significant reforms in policy, personnel, participation and community engagement, and prevention and accountability to address racial disparities in how law enforcement is applied toward communities of color.     “All Michiganders, no matter their community or the color of their skin, deserve equal treatment under the law,” Governor Whitmer said. “This proposal will help us ensure that law enforcement officials treat all Michiganders with humanity and respect, and will help us keep our communities safe. I will continue working with leaders in law enforcement to make public safety more just and equitable in Michigan.”   “People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “These reforms will help us build a more just and equitable law enforcement system and ensure the safety of Black Michiganders across the state. ”   Over the last several weeks, the governor added four seats to The…

(June 29, 2020 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 476 positive cases (cumulative), and 29 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 3 new cases since yesterday’s report.  No new deaths have been reported since June 7. Cumulative recovered** patients (cumulative): 417 (updated weekly, as of June 26). The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 4:30 PM Thursday, June 25, there are 1,587 confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities, 156 Confirmed Positive Jackson staff. As of 6 AM on Wednesday, June 24, there are 2 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.  *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections.  Their numbers are listed under a separate category "Others" for the Michigan Statistics. **Recovered is defined as the number of persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset (or referral date if onset is not available). Gender Number of Cases Percent Male 226 47.5% Female 250 52.5% The Age group is reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number.  Age - Years Percent…