Dear Friends,

Out of caution, I will be postponing all upcoming public events and coffee hours through the end of March. My office will still be operating and available to assist constituents via email at kevinhertel@house.mi.gov. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to help.

Instead of the coffee hour I planned to host this Monday, March 16, 9:30am at the Senior Activity Center, I will host a conference call for anyone who is interested in hearing an update from the State Legislature, from coronavirus to supplemental budget and beyond. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions you may have on the call. I look forward to talking with you then.

Dial-in number (US): (425) 436-6317 Access code: 422254# International dial-in numbers: https://fccdl.in/i/kevinhertel Online meeting ID: kevinhertel Join the online meeting: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/kevinhertel 

For additional assistance connecting to the meeting text “Help” to the Dial-In number above. Message and data rates may apply.

 

COVID-19 Information

With the first presumptive 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.

Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency to maximize the available assistance for local governments to help slow the spread of the virus. Last night, she announced that all K-12 school buildings will be closed to students starting Monday, March 16, through at least Sunday, April 5. Schools are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6, but the governor may re-evaluate this date as circumstances warrant. In order to mitigate risk of spreading COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to take the following actions to reduce the spread.

  • Learn about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
  • STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK, and individuals at risk of severe illness should consider staying at home to avoid others who are sick.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones and light switches.
  • Use best practices for washing hands for at least 20 seconds, and covering coughs and sneezes.
  • Be sure to maintain a supply of medications, food, and other essentials in your house.
  • Avoid large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people).
  • Avoid in-person gatherings and activities, especially for organizations with individuals at risk of severe illness.
  • Consider tele-learning or tele-work opportunities, where feasible.
  • Limit non-essential work travel.
  • If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
  • Limit visitors at hospitals and other facilities to only those who are absolutely necessary and implement screening of visitors for temperature and respiratory symptoms.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued a comprehensive list of interim migration recommendations. As information about this outbreak is changing rapidly, the latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

If you need assistance with childcare or any number of other issues you may face, remember that United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is available 24 hours a day to connect residents with the resources they need in times of crisis.