Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates on the state’s efforts to address COVID-19 as well as other news from your state government.

MDHHS Extends Epidemic Order

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has extended the epidemic order that prohibits most indoor social gatherings. This is in response to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Michigan over the past month. Through Dec. 20, the following will continue to be required:

  • High schools, colleges, and universities must move to distance learning;
    • Elementary and middle schools can continue to offer in-person learning at the school district’s discretion;
  • All K-12 athletics are suspended;
  • Theaters, movie theaters, conference centers, concert halls, performance venues, sporting venues, stadiums, the three Detroit casinos, arcades, bowling centers, ice skating rinks, indoor water parks, amusement parks, bingo halls, night clubs, strip clubs, and trampoline parks are closed;
  • Fitness facilities are limited to 25 percent capacity and must maintain at least twelve feet of social distancing between workout stations. Individual workouts at gyms and fitness centers are permitted, but group fitness classes are prohibited.
  • Retailers, libraries, and museums are limited to 30 percent occupancy;
  • Funerals are limited to 25 people;
  • Indoor gatherings cannot exceed two households and are limited to 10 people; and
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.

More information can be found here.

Racial Disparities Task Force Delivers Interim Report

African Americans make up 13.6 percent of the population in Michigan, but as of April 2020, 40 percent of Michigan’s COVID-19 deaths were African American individuals. In response to this disparity, the Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities was formed. Last week, the task force released an interim report on the progress that our state has made protecting communities of color, frontline workers, and small businesses from the spread of COVID-19.

The average cases per million per day for Black Michiganders dropped from 176 to 59 from March and April to September and October. In that same period, the amount of probable deaths per million per day among Black Michiganders dropped from 21.7 to 1. Additionally, as of November 16, over 24,000 free COVID-19 tests have been administered in previously underserved communities at state-operated Neighborhood Testing sites. The full report can be found here.

MI National Guard Forces Extended Through March 31

Michigan will continue to utilize the National Guard through March 31, 2021. Throughout the pandemic, 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.

While legislative offices remain closed to the public, my team and I are still providing responsive service as we work from home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope
State Representative