Dear Friends,
With numerous positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, everyone must use their best judgment and proactively take the appropriate precautions to keep people safe and slow the spread of the disease. That’s why, in an abundance of caution, I will be cancelling all future events until further notice. This includes my coffee hour on March 20 and Safety in Schools Town Hall on March 23.
For a complete list of strategies from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to minimize your risk of exposure and to keep you and your loved ones healthy, click here. For the latest information as the situation continues to develop, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Statewide Coronavirus Hotline — (888) 535-6136
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched a statewide hotline to respond to your health-related questions about COVID-19. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public health and other experts will answer your questions and direct you to the resources available in your local communities and in other state government departments.
Expanding Access to Telemedicine
Michigan residents receiving Medicaid benefits can now take advantage of telemedicine health services from their home. In addition, most major health insurers have announced that they will cover and encourage the use of virtual care, while waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing. Call your health care provider for more information.
Expanding Unemployment Benefits
Beginning Monday, March 16, until Tuesday, April 14, Michigan is temporarily expanding unemployment benefit eligibility to those affected by COVID-19. Benefits will be extended to:
- Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, like child care due to school closures or caring for a loved one who is ill;
- Workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised, and do not have access to paid leave time or are laid off; and
- First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined.
Benefits will also be extended from 20 to 26 weeks, the eligibility period would be increased from 14 to 28 days, and the normal in-person registration and work search requirements will be suspended.
K-12 School Closures
Beginning Monday, March 16, until Sunday, April 5, all K-12 school buildings, public, private, and boarding, are closed. Childcare facilities will remain open during this time, whether they are attached to schools or free standing.
Combating Price Gouging
Effective Monday, March 16, until Monday, April 13, Michigan is cracking down on businesses and individuals that engage in price gouging on consumer food items, emergency supplies, and other goods and materials. Residents are urged to report any price gouging or other violations of the Consumer Protection Act online by clicking here or by calling (877) 765-8388.
Legislative Services
Although the Michigan House of Representatives has recently issued new policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Capitol, my staff and I are still available to assist you! Never hesitate to reach out to me at VanessaGuerra@house.mi.gov or by phone at (517) 373-0152. Since most staff is required to work remotely at this time, you may need to leave a message, but we will respond to you as quickly as possible.
For a printable fact sheet of this information, please click here.