Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful as we all do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is an uncertain time, but having accurate information is important as we prepare to reopen our economy while safely adapting to life in the era of COVID-19. The following information is current as of 11 a.m. on June 5, 2020.

Please join me on Monday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a virtual Coffee & Conversation via Facebook Live. I will provide a legislative update and answer questions. You will find the event directly on my Facebook page at that time, and no code is needed to join.

If you have topics or questions you would like covered, you can post them here. I look forward to speaking with you all soon.

Michigan Enters Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan, Gov. Whitmer Rescinds Safer at Home Order

Earlier this week, Gov. Whitmer rescinded the Safer at Home Order and moved the entire state of Michigan into phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan. Gov. Whitmer announced today that Regions 6 and 8 will enter phase five on June 10.

In all regions of Michigan:

• Currently, the following can open, operate, or take place:
  • Nonessential medical and dental procedures;
  • Nonessential veterinary procedures;
  • Outpatient healthcare facilities;
  • Socially distanced indoor gatherings of 10 people or fewer;
  • Socially distanced outdoor gatherings of 100 people or fewer;
  • In-person office work (if it cannot be done remotely);
  • In-home services, including residential cleaning;
  • Campgrounds;
  • Outdoor, socially distanced fitness classes, practices, training sessions, and games;
  • Outdoor pools with restricted capacity;
  • Children’s day camps; and
  • Retailers at limited capacity.

• Beginning June 8, the following can open, operate, or take place:
  • Restaurants can reopen with restricted capacity;
  • Libraries (subject to local restrictions, if any apply); and
  • Museums.

• Beginning June 15, barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, and other nonessential personal services can resume.

Starting on June 10 in Regions 6 and 8 (the Upper Peninsula and part of the northern Lower Peninsula):

• Salons, movie theaters, and gyms can reopen with increased safety protocols.
• Indoor gatherings of 50 people or fewer and socially-distanced outdoor social gatherings of 250 people or fewer are permitted.
• Outdoor performance and sporting venues can open with a 500-person capacity limit.

In all regions except Regions 6 and 8, the following remain closed by executive order until further notice:

• Gyms and other indoor fitness facilities;
• Theaters and other indoor performance venues;
• Bowling alleys; and
• Bingo parlors and casinos.

The MI Safe Start Plan sets out the criteria for reopening sectors of the economy by region. This plan was developed by the governor and the Michigan Economic Recovery Council. You can view COVID-19 risks and trends in these eight regions on MI Start Map online dashboard.

Safety Precautions Still Required

We are making progress and doing a great job of flattening the curve. But it’s still important to take preventative measures to keep yourself and others healthy and to slow the spread of the virus.

Individuals must continue to wear non-medical grade face coverings while in enclosed public spaces, and employers must provide their workers with face coverings.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces daily, including your phone.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, especially with people who are sick.
• Practice safe social distancing.

For more guidance on how to reduce the spread of COVID-19, visit the CDC website.

Some Bottle Return Facilities Will Resume Operation June 15

Starting on June 15, some retailers will be required to reopen their bottle return facilities. Bottle return facilities must comply with state-mandated safety protocols and restrictions. Retailers are allowed to place certain restrictions on returns, including limiting customer’s maximum deposit refund amount to $25 and establishing limited hours in the bottle return facility.

Auto Insurers in Michigan Will Issue Refunds or Premium Waivers to Customers

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services issued an order that will require auto insurers to issue refunds or premium waivers to customers. Insurance companies have faced a reduced risk with less drivers on the road during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insurers must submit filings by June 10 that include the refund or premium waiver amount, how they determined that amount, and how the payment will be received by the customer.

MDHHS Loosens Restrictions on Hospital Visits

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an order on Wednesday that loosens visitation restrictions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and doctor’s offices. Facilities that allow visitors are required to perform health evaluations on visitors each time they enter the facility, have designated entrances, and require visitors who are medically able to wear a mask to do so. You can read the full list of requirements here.

Return to School Advisory Council Appointments Announced

On June 3, Gov. Whitmer announced the 25 appointees on the Return to School Advisory Council. This council will advise the COVID-19 Task Force on Education on how to safely re-open schools in the fall. Members of the advisory council include teachers, students, parents, administrators, and public health officials. You can view the full list of appointees here.

Administrative Hearings Can Continue To Be Held On Phone or Video Conference

Executive Order 2020-113 will continue to allow administrative hearings to be held by phone or video conference in place of in-person hearings through June 30. This order also allows e-signatures to be used in place of written signatures on documents related to these hearings.

Extended Use of Michigan National Guard Approved

On Wednesday, the federal government extended Michigan’s ability to utilize the National Guard through Aug. 21. Throughout the pandemic crisis, the National Guard has assisted with testing, provided warehouse support, disinfected public spaces, and distributed personal protective equipment, food, and medical supplies all over the state.

As we all continue to deal with the pandemic’s effects on the health and welfare of our communities, I will continue to provide up-to-date information for you and your family. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, my team and I are working from our homes. But we still strive to provide responsive service, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative