Complete Story
04/03/2020
COVID-19 Update from Governor Whitmer
Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Protecting Workers Who Stay Home, Stay Safe When They or Their Close Contacts Are Sick
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-36, prohibiting all employers from discharging, disciplining, or otherwise retaliating against an employee for staying home from work if they or one of their close contacts tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms of the disease. Executive Order 2020-36 also strengthens the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order by declaring that it is the public policy of the state that all Michiganders who test positive or show symptoms, or who live with someone who tests positive or shows symptoms, should not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.
Executive Order 2020-36 takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the end of the governor’s declared emergency or until otherwise rescinded.
COVID-19 When is it Safe to Leave Home
MDHHS issues Emergency Order requiring compliance with Executive Orders under penalty of civil fines up to $1,000 and referral to licensing agencies for enforcement
To help control the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order on April 2 setting a civil penalty of up to $1,000 and a process for referral to licensing agencies for violations of Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20 and 2020-21. Criminal penalties for violation will remain an option for prosecutors.
The Emergency Order requires that every person must comply with the procedures and restrictions outlined in these Executive Orders and the instructions provided in their accompanying FAQs.
· Executive Order 2020-11 temporarily prohibits large assemblages and events and temporarily closes schools.
· Executive Order 2020-20 places temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation.
· Executive Order 2020-21 temporarily restricts gatherings and travel and prohibits in-person work that is not necessary to sustain or protect life.
Law enforcement agencies across the state are authorized to investigate potential violations of Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20 and 2020-21 and coordinating as necessary with their local health departments to enforce this Emergency Order within their jurisdiction. Law enforcement is specifically authorized to bar access to businesses and operations that fail to comply with the procedures and restrictions outlined in the Executive Orders. County prosecutors are authorized to enforce this Emergency Order to control the epidemic and protect the public health in coordination with the appropriate local law enforcement authority and, as necessary, the local health department.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist & Former Lt. Governor Calley Team Up to Announce Coalition to Support Small Businesses & Improve Access to Federal Loans
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II was joined by former Lt. Governor, and current president of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Brian Calley and Bob Doyle, president and CEO of the Michigan Association of CPAs, in launching a new statewide website, MI Paycheck Protection, to provide businesses with key resources to assist with the PPP application and loan process and ensure the greatest amount of federal funding is able to be used by small businesses for economic relief efforts throughout the state.
Expanded Unemployment Eligibility
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands Michigan’s benefits to self-employed,1099-independent contractors, and low wage workers as well as an increase in weekly pay to all who receive benefits. The Unemployment Insurance Agency will release guidance regarding eligibility and the application process in the coming days. If you have already filed for unemployment benefits, you DO NOT need to reapply at this time.
Find out more on COVID-19 specific unemployment information
Michigan Government Coronavirus Website
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available. Additional information for employers can be found on the Guidance for Business page on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19.
The state’s COVID-19 website also has information on the Governor’s other executive orders, directives and FAQs which allows for review of each order and its own questions and answers.
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions; Disaster Distress Helpline
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the new Board of Health and Safety Compliance & Appeals and the Suicide Prevention Commission today. The Suicide Prevention Commission was signed into law in 2019 and became effective March 19, 2020.
The Commission will work with state departments and agencies and nonprofit organizations to research the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in Michigan. The Commission consists of sixteen members recommended by various organizations and appointed by the Governor, a member appointed by the director of the Michigan State Police, a member appointed by the director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, eight members recommended by various organizations and appointed by the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Michigan veterans' facility ombudsman.
These are difficult times for all of us and stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions. Please call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 if you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, there is help available. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- Crisis counseling for people in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster
- Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families
- Tips for healthy coping
- Referrals to local crisis call centers for additional follow-up care and support.
