Monthly Archives: July 2020

(July 23, 2020 8:21 PM) Today, in order to protect Michigan’s most vulnerable populations living in congregate settings, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-156, which continues the limited and temporary restrictions on the entry of individuals into health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities previously imposed by Executive Order 2020-136. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services remains empowered to specify exceptions to these restrictions.  “We must remain vigilant in our fight against COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable citizens from the spread of this virus,” said Governor Whitmer. “This executive order protects more long-term care facility residents and staff, including the most vulnerable residents in our nursing homes. I know seniors and their families are making sacrifices every day during this crisis, and moving forward, I will work closely with the Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force to protect our most vulnerable communities, the heroes on the front lines, and our families from this virus.”  Executive Order 2020-156 maintains restrictions on visitation to health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities, while authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services to gradually re-open visitation as…

(July 23, 2020 4:36 PM) With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has launched Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of – up to $10,000 – to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19.  The initial grant application window will be open from Monday, July 27 through Friday, August 7, 2020, with awards given shortly thereafter. Grants received after August 7, 2020 will be held pending a potential second phase, if funds remain available. “Employers continue to do their part to ensure workers, customers and communities are safe from COVID-19,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “These grants will help make that job a bit easier, ensuring every Michigander returns home safe at the end of the day.”  Small businesses interested in applying must have fewer than 250 employees, provide a copy of their COVID-19 safety plan and description of how funds will help improve workplace safety for employees, customers and their communities. Additional information on grant funding can be found in the program brochure. “These new grants support…

(July 23, 2020 3:43 PM) Michigan reported 699 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 75,947. The State of Michigan is reporting 7* COVID-19-related deaths today, with the state total now at 6,148. *The deaths announced today includes 6 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 7/17/2020): 55,162.  This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.