| Dear Friends and Neighbors,
During this difficult time in our state and country, I want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about our response to COVID-19. Please join me for a virtual coffee hour on Monday, May 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. I will provide a state and county level update along with answering any questions you may have. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Join via Zoom or phone by calling +1 (312) 626-6799.
Meeting ID: 837 9166 6875
Password: 470611
COVID-19 Update
Since the beginning of this crisis, we have been dedicated to preserving the health and well-being of Michigan residents throughout the state. The actions we’ve taken have successfully slowed the spread of COVID-19 and saved lives — but we’ve got to keep it up. That’s why Gov. Whitmer announced today that her Stay Home, Stay Safe order will remain in effect until Thursday, May 28.
Even though there’s more work to be done to eliminate the threat of this virus, Gov. Whitmer is using her MI Safe Start Plan to reengage certain industries and activities, including construction (beginning Thursday, May 7) and manufacturing (beginning Monday, May 11), as long as specific safeguards are put in place to protect the health of each and every worker.
Below you’ll find more information about Gov. Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan.
Six Phases of the MI Safe Start Plan
1) UNCONTROLLED GROWTH: The number of new cases increases every day, overwhelming our health systems. Only critical infrastructure workers may continue working.
2) PERSISTENT SPREAD: We continue to see high case levels with concern about health system capacity. Critical infrastructure workers continue to work with additional types of recreation allowed.
3) FLATTENING: Cases are no longer increasing, and the health-system’s capacity is sufficient for current needs. Specific low-risk industries, like construction, manufacturing, real estate and outdoor work may resume operations with strict workplace safety measures. This is where Michigan is currently.
4) IMPROVING: Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are clearly declining. Additional low-risk activities like retail and in-person office work may resume if remote work isn’t possible with strict safety measures in place. Small gatherings may also resume.
5) CONTAINING: Continued case and death rate improvements, with outbreaks quickly contained. Most businesses, including restaurants, bars, in-person K-12 and higher education, and travel may resume with strict mitigation measures. Larger gatherings may take place.
6) POST-PANDEMIC: Community spread not expected to return due to high uptake of effective treatment or vaccine. All businesses and gatherings may resume with new safety guidance and procedures. We’re finally beginning to turn the tide in our fight against this pandemic, but we’ll only be able to maintain our progress if we continue staying home and staying safe whenever possible. We’ll get through this and we’ll do it together.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Representative, 18th House District |
