Category Archives: State & Region

Whitmer temporarily closes hair and nail salons, tanning salons

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Governor Whitmer file photo

Press release posted Saturday, March 21, 2020

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-20, which makes clear that all facilities that provide non-essential personal care services must temporarily close. These services include hair, nail, tanning, massage, spa, tattoo, body art and piercing services, and similar services that require individuals to be within 6 feet of each other. This order does not apply to services necessary for medical treatment as determined by a licensed medical provider.

The order also reaffirms the other temporary closures of places of public accommodation that were required by Executive Order 2020-9. The order takes effect no later than March 22 at 9 a.m. and remains in effect until April 13 at 11:59 p.m.

“COVID-19 has created an unprecedented challenge to our way of life as Michiganders,” said Gov. Whitmer. “That’s why we are making decisions based on science and facts to protect public health and keep people safe. I know these changes will be hard, but they are temporary, and they are necessary to slow the spread of the virus and help save lives.”

Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:  

  •  Fever 
  •  Cough 
  •  Shortness of breath 

The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to: 

  •  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital. 
  •  Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer. 
  •  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 
  •  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. 
  •  Avoid contact with people who are sick. 
  •  If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others. 
  •  Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting. 

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

Whitmer responds to Department of Education’s memo on instructional time during school closure

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Posted Saturday, March 21, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement regarding instructional time during school closure.

“Earlier, the Michigan Department of Education issued a memo regarding Instructional Time During School Closure. I know it caused a lot of confusion and panic among schools, teachers, students, and families. I wanted to provide some clarification from the perspective of the Governor’s Office.

“The memo does not mean that school work done during the mandatory school closure won’t ‘count’ toward grades, credits, or graduation. Each district should determine what services and supports they are able to provide during this unprecedented crisis. Many are focusing on meeting basic needs and are working around the clock to provide breakfast and lunch for hungry students. Other districts have the ability to provide more learning support as a result of one-to-one technology initiatives. I am in awe of the work that school employees are doing to support their kids and I applaud their efforts.

“As you know, the situation has changed rapidly over the course of the past ten days. We do not know what the future will hold, but we are absolutely committed to ensuring the needs of our students, parents, and families are met as we navigate these uncharted waters. I will be working in the coming days to ensure our seniors graduate and that no child is held back as a result of our ability to provide face-to-face instruction during the COVID-19 school closure.

“To teachers, administrators, and support staff – I thank you for stepping up and helping your students and families.

To students and especially parents, hang in there. We will get through this.”

Camilleri announces ‘Downriver student challenge’ contest to students in his district

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State Rep. Darrin Camilleri

By Scott Bolthouse—The Huron Hub—March 20, 2020

State Rep. Darrin Camilleri, a former teacher, introduced a way to keep students in his district engaged in learning during the mandatory school closure.

Camilleri laid out an academic challenge to students, who can potentially win a gift card worth up to $100 to be used at a local business.

The challenge will be focused around the question: “Why are you proud to be from Downriver or Michigan?”

“As a former teacher, I know that when kids aren’t in school, learning can’t stop if we want to ensure great outcomes for our kids,” Camilleri said. “In order to provide an option to keep students engaged, I’m starting a Downriver Student Challenge today that will be open to any student in my district.”

The challenge is open to all K-12 students in Brownstown, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Township, Trenton and Woodhaven.

The full assignment can be accessed at tinyurl.com/camilleristudentchallenge

Students can submit pictures, essays, videos, and more. The contest runs through March 31, and entries can be submitted to DarrinCamilleri@house.mi.gov with the subject line “Student Challenge.”

Make sure to identify the student’s grade level and the school they are enrolled in.

Winners of the challenge will receive up to a $100 gift card from a local small business.

Meijer changes store hours, introduces special shopping times for vulnerable customers

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Posted by The Huron Hub – March 19, 2020

Meijer announced Thursday that the grocery chain is adjusting its store hours for the foreseeable future.

The change in hours will allow more time for team members to deep clean and restock its stores, as well as dedicated hours for senior citizens, customers with chronic health conditions, essential service workers and its team members, the company said.

New store hours are as follows:

  • Meijer stores will close overnight at 10 p.m. local time, beginning Friday, March 20, and will open each morning at 8 a.m. local time.
  • Meijer Express convenience store locations will close overnight at 10 p.m. and open each morning at 8 a.m.; pay-at-the-pump fuel sales will remain available 24 hours a day.
  • Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. local time.
  • Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for essential service workers and Meijer team members on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8 a.m. local time.

“These are unprecedented times that require appropriate action to ensure we are supporting the communities where our customers and team members work and live,” said Rick Keyes, Meijer president and CEO. “Our adjusted store hours will ensure all of our customers have access to the products they need in the cleanest shopping environment possible.”

Essential service workers include all medical workers, first responders and law enforcement. Meijer is asking its customers and the public to please respect the times for these important groups.

“As we continue to evaluate the store hours that will best serve all our customers, it’s more important than ever for us to work together for the greater good of our communities,” Keyes said. “All of us at Meijer are proud to serve our customers and we will continue to work through these challenging times together.”

Meijer operates more than 245 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

Michigan coronavirus stats updated daily at 2 p.m.; 336 cases listed as of Thursday

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By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Published Thursday, March 19, 2020

Michigan’s coronavirus stats are updated daily at 2 p.m. on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

You can access the website for the daily updates here: michigan.gov/coronavirus

As of March 19, 2020, there are 336 total cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. Three people have died from the virus as of Thursday: two with pre-existing health conditions, and one person over 80.

In the daily web update at 2 p.m., the department will provide statewide numbers for:

  • Cases and deaths broken down by county
  • Cases by age range (in 10-year increments)
  • Cases by sex

The afternoon web update will include all information reported through midnight the previous day.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness, according to the CDC.

The CDC said to consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Tips from the CDC on prevention can be viewed here.

 

Temporary order signed lifting weight restrictions on roads for COVID-19 response

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Posted by The Huron Hub on Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Governor Whitmer signed an order Monday temporarily lifting weight and other delivery-related restrictions for vehicles carrying essential supplies to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

The executive order is effective immediately and extends until Monday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Under the governor’s executive order, all state and local seasonal load restrictions are suspended for deliveries that meet immediate needs for: medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and the prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; food for the emergency restocking of stores; equipment, supplies, and people necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine, and isolation facilities related to the COVID-19 emergency; people designated by federal, state, or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes; and people necessary to provide other medical or emergency services, the supply of which may be affected by the COVID-19 emergency.

“This is a crisis unlike any we’ve dealt with before, and we must do everything we can to ensure our communities have the resources they need to get through it as safely as possible,” said Governor Whitmer. “This order will help us deliver the supplies people need to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the most people we can. It’s crucial that during this time, we continue to work together to protect our families and loved ones. I will keep working with leaders across state government to put the best interest of Michiganders first.”

Also under executive order 2020-12, from now until April 13 at 11:59 p.m., all state and local road agencies must work quickly to process permits that allow non-seasonal load restrictions to be exceeded for deliveries that meet immediate needs.

In addition, all state and local restrictions on the noise and timing of loading and deliveries are suspended for loading and deliveries that meet immediate needs.

“These steps ensure that state, county, city and village road agencies are collaborating to be sure supplies vital to supporting COVID-19 relief efforts can be delivered quickly and efficiently,” said Michigan Department Of Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “We are going to get through this by working together and taking collective action for the greater good.”

 

Romulus declares State of Emergency, takes steps to address COVID-19 pandemic

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Posted by Huron Hub staff on Monday, March 16, 2020 -- 6:00 PM EST

Mayor LeRoy D. Burcroff has officially declared a State of Emergency in the City of Romulus in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Officials say due to the city’s unique location with multiple forms of transportation and transient populations, declaring a State of Emergency allows the city access to additional funding and resources to respond to its increased risk to the virus. 

The city said it encourages all residents to continue to follow the preventative measures that have been shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.

Residents with questions regarding COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the State of Michigan’s coronavirus hotline at 888-535-6136. If residents experience any symptoms, they are highly encouraged to contact a physician for counsel on treatment options and to stay home to protect others.

“The health and safety of our residents and visitors is our primary focus,” said Mayor Burcroff. “We will continue monitoring developments and work swiftly in partnership with local, state and federal health and government officials to do all we can to protect our residents at this time. Our collective public health depends on the actions of each individual resident—I ask that we all do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.” 

City municipal buildings will remain open by appointment only, and residents can continue to access city services at www.romulusgov.com and by phone at 734-942-7500 during regular office hours.

However, non-essential city buildings will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17th at noon, including the Romulus City Hall, Department of Public Works Building and the Animal Shelter.

The Romulus Senior Center will be closed to the public, but will continue providing services to older residents, including Meals on Wheels and commodities/focus hope distribution by appointment only. All public events and activities will be postponed or cancelled until further notice.

Romulus Public Library declared their closure beginning March 16th and the Romulus Athletic Center also closed on Monday in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-9.

“We are committed to continuing to provide exemplary service to our residents during this time of uncertainty,” said Burcroff. “We must all support each other to find solutions and work together.”

Romulus has created a webpage where residents can access relevant updates at http://romulusgov.com/coronavirus_response/index.php.