Monthly Archives: July 2020

(July 17, 2020 4:30 PM) The Michigan Department of Civil Rights today cautioned Michigan businesses and other public accommodations to make sure they follow state and federal law when enforcing rules on wearing a mask or face covering in their facilities. “It is important to remember that along with Executive Orders and specific store policies, businesses and other public spaces must continue to follow the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA) during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mary Engelman, Interim Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. “We must ensure that people with disabilities are able to access the same goods and services that we all enjoy.” Executive Order No. 2020-153 mandates businesses: Post notice of the requirement to wear a face covering where all can see; Enforce this face covering requirement; and Provide for exceptions, including the exception for those who cannot medically tolerate wearing one. May not assume that an unmasked customer cannot medically tolerate a face covering, though they may accept a customer’s verbal representation to that effect. With or without a mandate, a business must make choices about how to implement its ‘no mask, no service’ policy…

(July 17, 2020 3:15 PM) Michigan reported 660 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 72,502. The State of Michigan is reporting 7 COVID-19-related deaths today, with the state total now at 6,108. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 7/10/2020): 53,867.  This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.

(July 17, 2020 2:09 PM) Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-154, which extends previous executive orders to provide temporary alternative means to conduct public meetings, conduct administrative proceedings, and provide the required notice under tax abatement statutes.  “COVID-19 is still present in Michigan, and I am committed to using every tool at my disposal to protect Michiganders from the virus,” said Governor Whitmer. “By consolidating and extending these orders, we can ensure that state and local governments can continue to provide important services in a manner that is safe, effective, and accessible. We have made progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, but it is not over yet. I encourage everyone to do their part by wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of physical distance when possible.”  Under Executive Order 2020-154, all three previous orders are consolidated and extended to protect the public health and safety of Michiganders. The new order:  Allows public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils and nonprofit boards, to use telephone- or video-conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the COVID-19 public health crisis, so long as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public.  Allows notice of any public hearing required to take place under a…

(July 17, 2020 1:44 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-153, which strengthens her previous order requiring all Michiganders to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. This new order clarifies that businesses may not assume that an unmasked customer cannot medically tolerate a face covering, though they can accept a customer’s verbal representation to that effect. It also requires public safety officers to wear a face covering unless doing so would seriously interfere in the performance of their responsibilities, and clarifies that wearing a mask at a polling place for purposes of voting in an election is not required, but strongly encouraged.  “Wearing a mask is the right thing to do to protect our families, our businesses, and our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “If everyone in Michigan masks up, we can save thousands of lives and put ourselves in a better position to send our kids back to school in the fall. For the safety of our loved ones and our dedicated first responders on the front lines: mask up, Michigan.”  “COVID-19 is far from over - people are still getting sick and dying,” said Katie Scott, RN, vice president of the Michigan Nurses Association. “As a nurse, I'm worried that many people…

(July 17, 2020 1:37 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 543 positive cases (cumulative), and 31 deaths (cumulative)*.     There is 1 new case since yesterday’s report.  The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 3 PM Sunday, July 13, there are 1,608 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 157 confirmed positive staff cases. As of 10 AM July 16, there are 3 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. Cumulative recovered** patients (cumulative): 436 (updated weekly, as of July 17). *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 256 47.1% Female 287 52.9% The Age group is reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number.  Age - Years Percent 0 -19 5.7% 20 - 29 16.6% 30 - 39 15.3%…