| Dear Friends,
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 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 May 7) and manufacturing (beginning 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 increasing number of new cases 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.
Staying Safe in Public
To keep Michiganders safe and prevent another spike of COVID-19 aswe begin the transition back into public spaces, Gov. Whitmer’s order requires:
- Any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering, to wearone – including homemade masks, scarfs, or bandanas – when in any enclosedpublic space.
- All businesses or operations whose workers perform in-person workto provide, at minimum, non-medical grade face coverings to their employees.
- Supplies of N95 masks and surgical masks to be reserved as much aspossible for health care professionals, first responders and other criticalworkers who interact with the public.
- Gatherings of any size in which people cannot maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from each other are prohibited.
Unemployment Tele-Town Hall
Please join me for a Tele-Town Hall regarding the Unemployment Insurance Agency to get more information on how to apply, how to resolve any issues with your claim, and more information directly from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. I will also be joined by the Director of the Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Chris Rishko who will provide information on their services, and what you can do now to find employment or set yourself up for success as our state re-opens.
When: Friday, May 8th at 2pm.
How to call in: Simply dial (351)-999-4719. No passcode is needed.
MDHHS Develops Resource Guide to Support Family Well-being During COVID-19 Emergency
The Children’s Services Agency within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has developed the “Family Well-Being Guide,” a new resource with information on how everyone can support children, parents and other caregivers during the COVID-19 emergency.
The guide features practical tips on ways to support vulnerable families. It includes recommended questions to help understand the needs of potentially at-risk caregivers and children. It also provides statewide resources available to families who might have concerns about food, housing, mental health, finances or safety.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Guerra
State Representative, 95th House District |
