Michigan Reports 419 Coronavirus Cases Today, State Total Now 94,697
(August 20, 2020 3:34 PM) Michigan reported 419 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 94,697. The State of Michigan is reporting 19* COVID-19-related death today, with the state total at at 6,368. *The deaths announced today include 11 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 8/14/2020): 67,778. This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.
MHSAA Council Authorizes Competition in Volleyball, Soccer, Swimming & Diving Where Allowed; Also Adds Offseason Contact Days for Football and all Spring Sports
(August 20, 2020 3:07 PM) The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association today approved the start of competition in girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming & diving in regions of Michigan authorized for that activity by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders, with competition in those sports pending in regions where those activities are not yet allowed as part of preventing spread of COVID-19. Schools in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula – designated as Regions 6 and 8, respectively, by executive order – are allowed to begin competition Aug. 21, as originally scheduled. Schools in all other Regions (1-5, and 7) may continue outdoor practice, pending further executive orders allowing for the opening of indoor facilities and physical distancing while competing in those areas. Teams began outdoor practice in volleyball, soccer, swimming & diving, cross country, golf and tennis on Aug. 12. Lower Peninsula girls golf and boys tennis, and Upper Peninsula girls tennis began competition Aug. 19, with cross country competition beginning Aug. 21. Football practice began Aug. 10, and on Aug. 14 the Representative Council voted to postpone the Fall 2020 football season to Spring 2021, also due to COVID-19 concerns. MHSAA staff…
Governor Whitmer Signs Return to Learn Bills
(August 20, 2020 12:49 PM) Today, Governor Whitmer signed the bipartisan “Return to Learn” bills she and legislative leaders agreed upon on Friday of last week. The bill package outlines new, more flexible instructional requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. It also provides significant financial stability to districts by primarily using last year’s pupil count to determine this year’s funding levels. “Over the past week, we have taken crucial steps to help Michigan schools and families navigate the new school year. Alongside this bipartisan agreement, I announced nearly $65 million in federal funding to help give students, parents, educators, and support staff the resources they need to provide the best and most safe education possible,” said Governor Whitmer. “These bills will help schools implement their comprehensive safety plans going into the 2020-21 school year. I am proud of this bipartisan package and will continue working with everyone who wants to ensure our schools are safe during COVID-19. These are great steps, but we will need a comprehensive bipartisan plan and funding from the federal government. It is time the Republicans in Congress to do their part to protect families and students across the country.” Under the legislation, schools are provided flexibility around number of school days, instructional hours, student count and attendance. Additionally, the legislation outlines the new COVID-19 learning plan which is intended to provide school districts with the maximum flexibility to adapt their programs to properly and safely respond to the pandemic. Districts…
