Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Orders Modifying Telehealth Options and Extending Protections for Migrant Agricultural Workers

(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 agricultural workers are a critical part of our workforce and state as a whole,” said Governor Whitmer. “By extending this executive order we can protect migrant agricultural workers from outbreaks, and protect Michiganders continue to have access to healthy and nutritious food grown right here in our state.”

Housing owners and operators must:

Separate beds by at least 6 feet or more in all directions wherever possible and encourage residents to sleep head-to-toe, except in single-family housing
Provide isolation housing for COVID-19-infection who have not received a positive result from a COVID-19 test, unless the resident resides in a single-family housing unit or family living unit that is part of a multifamily unit and can effectively isolate themselves.
Provide housing, dining and bathroom facilities for COVID-19-confirmed residents separate from residents who are not COVID-19-confirmed.
Ensure regular ventilation of rooms where COVID-19-affected residents are housed.
Ensure anyone who delivers food and water to isolated residents is equipped with appropriate PPE.
Arrange for COVID-19-affected residents to be evaluated by a medical provider through the local health department or federally qualified health center.
Adopt any additional infection control measures consistent with guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Housing owners and operators must continue to allow aid organizations and state regulators to access migrant housing to ensure that residents receive appropriate social services and protections.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available atMichigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

To view Executive Order 2020-137 and 2020-138, click the links below: