Clawson Fourth of July fireworks returns after two-year hiatus
With pandemic restrictions gone, we saw the fireworks returned in Detroit last week, and Monday night, itโs Clawsonโs turn. City leaders there have played it safe for two years, but now theyโre ready for things to get back to normal. Weโve got a lot of people for the much-anticipated event many have been waiting for.
Sunday Read: How laws, new and old, could restrict abortion rights in Michigan
The right to abortions has been widely debated among Americans and lawmakers alike for decades -- a debate that has essentially reached a boiling point today, given a new Texas law and forthcoming Supreme Court ruling that could impact national abortion regulations.
Closer look: How laws, new and old, could restrict abortion rights in Michigan
The right to abortions has been widely debated among Americans and lawmakers alike for decades -- a debate that has essentially reached a boiling point today, given a new Texas law and forthcoming Supreme Court ruling that could impact national abortion regulations.
Stateโs plan to reopen Michigan brings hope to struggling businesses
โWe can all throw some burgers on the grill, catch a Tigers game and hit the lake with our friends. We can enjoy our Michigan summer,โ said Willpower Fitness Group owner William McCray. โIโm happy, Iโm ecstatic and I think weโre moving in the right direction.โ
Michigan restaurants cautious but optimistic about vaccination-based reopening plan
Michigan restaurants have been put through the ringer throughout the pandemic. The industry as a whole has seen the rules change multiple times over the past year and thatโs made for a lot of anxiety, frustration and sometimes animosity. After Thursdayโs announcement, there was a new, more hopeful tone.
Whitmer announces Michigan will ease specific COVID restrictions as 4 vaccination goals are reached
Michigan is outlining four specific vaccination goals that, once they are reached, will directly trigger the loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions across the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed.
City of Detroit to enforce pandemic restrictions on Opening Day
โOpening Day is always a holiday here in Michigan,โ said Brass Rail Bar manager Kevin Weathers. Itโs time for the first home game of the Detroit Tigers season, but this year, it will be a lot different than previous years. READ: Detroit Tigers prepare for Opening Day amid COVID pandemicโWe have everything 6 feet apart. โLet me say this: Opening Day is not going to be the same weโre accustomed to because of the pandemic,โ said Detroit Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair. The Detroit Tigers and the city are enforcing special precautions for Opening Day.
Hungarian far-right party protests lockdown
(AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh)BUDAPEST โ Demonstrators in Hungaryโs capital broke a ban on public gatherings on Monday to demand an end to the country's lockdown restrictions, even as a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations sweeps the country. The demonstration was organized by a far-right party, Mi Hazank Mozgalom (Our Homeland Movement), and joined by some 1,000 people. They demanded an end to pandemic restrictions that have been in effect for more than four months and have placed a heavy burden on the country's economy. AdA survey published last week by Eurofound, a European Union agency, found that a smaller proportion of Hungarian workers received wage subsidies than in other country in the 27-member bloc. AdThe protest marked the March 15 national holiday, which celebrates the Hungarian revolution and war of independence of 1848, a national uprising against the ruling Austrian Habsburgs.
Michigan AG looks into requests to investigate state nursing home policy
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesselโs office is looking into requests to investigate the stateโs COVID-19 nursing home policies. Whitmer announces nursing home visitation to resume in MichiganOnly eight representatives left their names off the letter, including House Speaker Jason Wentworth. Another 11 republicans signed onto the campaign to impeach Whitmer or force her to resign over the policy. READ: Michigan lawmakers hold hearing, seek answers about nursing home deaths amid pandemicThe centers for Medicaid, Medicare and the AARP have been calling for Whitmer to release all the state data on nursing home deaths. READ: Tracking COVID-19 cases, deaths in Michigan long term care facilities, nursing homes
Many Michigan COVID restrictions eased starting today
The state of Michigan is easing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in several areas including restaurants and bars. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the restrictions on indoor dining had been revised. Customers must still wear masks when theyโre not seated at their tables. Mask mandate remainsAll persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask under the Michigan โGatherings and Face Mask Order.โHere are the face mask requirements listed under the order:Face mask requirement at gatherings:(a) All persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. An individualโs verbal representation that they are not wearing a face mask because they fall within a specified exception, however, may be accepted.
Gov. Whitmer announces nursing home visitation to resume in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. โ Over the past seven weeks, thereโs been a decline in key metrics determining where we are with the pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that visitation at nursing homes will resume. READ: 12 takeaways from Whitmerโs COVID briefing: Michigan restrictions loosenedAdโUnder the new guidelines, family members will be able to go and visit their relatives in nursing homes after receiving a negative COVID-19 test,โ Whitmer added. โWe want people to be able to visit their family in the nursing homes, and we know that our businesses are doing their part to make their establishments as safe as they can,โ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. So far the state of Michigan has vaccinated more than 2 million residents.
Here are the 14 changes to Michiganโs COVID rules: Restaurants, gyms, stadiums, retail, gatherings
Michigan announced several changes to its COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday, including new rules for restaurants, gyms, stadiums, retail shops and gatherings. Nursing homesVisitation at nursing homes will now be allowed, Whitmer said. Everyone has to wear a face mask at all times, unless eating or drinking while seated in a designated area. Spaces and activities have to be set up to keep six feet of distance between people at all times, officials said. Face masks are required at all times, unless people are eating or drinking.
๐ฝ๏ธ Michigan restaurants survey: Are you going?
Michigan restaurants are opening to indoor dining this week, but do you feel safe about going? โก๏ธ View the full survey results here. Thank you for taking part in the survey! We believe it is important for neighbors who care -- neighbors like you! More survey results:
Michigan association says indoor dining expected to reopen Feb. 1
Michiganโs current order prohibiting indoor dining service expires this week, but the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association said it has been told the prohibition will be extended to Feb. 1. โWe are absolutely upset, but at the same time, letโs hold hard to this Feb. 1 deadline and letโs do it right,โ said MLBA President Scott Ellis. Gretchen Whitmerโs Office confirms the Feb. 1 restart date. Details of what dine-in service will look like are not clear yet but there will be caps on density and social distancing will be required. 8 takeaways from Whitmerโs COVID briefing: In-person learning, vaccine distribution, restaurantsWhitmer held her second COVID-19 briefing of the week Friday (Jan. 8) to discuss the future of in-person learning, vaccine distribution and how current trends affect the possibility of reopening restaurants in the state.
Looking back at 110 stories that define Gov. Whitmerโs handling of COVID-19 in Michigan this year
In promulgating Executive Order 2020-69 and Executive Order 2020-70, the Governor has done just that by placing restrictions on certain activities to limit social interactions. โGood news, sports fans: We are now ready to gradually and safely allow professional sports to resume in Michigan,โ Whitmer said. July 14: State of emergency extendedWhitmer extended the Michigan state of emergency until Aug. 11 as COVID-19 cases rose across the state. The five-year lending, investment and philanthropic plan aimed to help improve financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers and communities. Dec. 29: Relief bill, unemployment extensionWhitmer signed a $106 million relief bill and also extended COVID-19 unemployment benefits through March 2021.
Wayne County gives $6M to 12,000 people affected by virus limits
The recipients worked at restaurants or fitness and entertainment venues whose operations have been limited to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The recipients worked at restaurants or fitness and entertainment venues whose operations have been limited to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Wayne County Economic Development Department received enough applications in less than two weeks to fulfill the $6 million budget. โWhile we wait for Washington to figure out what theyโre doing, this is a stimulus for Wayne County,โ county Executive Warren Evans said. Original Story: Wayne County hands out $500 gift cards to restaurant, service workers affected by pandemic
Michiganโs revised COVID restrictions in effect now through Jan. 15
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an updated epidemic order on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for businesses and activities. Read in-depth: Hereโs everything thatโs reopening under Michiganโs revised COVID-19 orderThe MDHHS said this order takes effect Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., at which time the Dec. 7, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. The order remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Here is a look at the new order, which keeps dine-in service closed at Michigan restaurants but will allow high schools to return to in-person learning starting Dec. 21:Coronavirus resources:
Heated outdoor โpodsโ installed to keep downtown Northville businesses going
NORTHVILLE, Mich. โ Many businesses have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic -- especially bars and restaurants. RELATED: Coronavirus in Michigan: Hereโs what to know Dec. 18, 2020The cold weather has made things tougher, but Northville is using a bit of ingenuity to try and help its businesses make it through the winter. With the help of Ann Arbor-based O-X Studio, the Northville Downtown Development Authority and Up2Go International are using heated modular dining pods that can be also be used as food service stands. You can watch Tim Pamplinโs story in the video above for the full report. More information can be found on O-X Studioโs official website here.
Michigan health officials issue new COVID restrictions through Jan. 15
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an updated epidemic order on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for businesses and activities. The MDHHS said this order takes effect on Dec. 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., at which time the Dec. 7, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. The order remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Here is a look at the new order, which keeps dine-in service closed at Michigan restaurants but will allow high schools to return to in-person learning starting Dec. 21:Coronavirus resources:
Michigan Senate considers forming joint committee that could suspend COVID-19 restrictions
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan Senate is considering Concurrent Resolution 36, which would form a joint committee of the Legislature acting between sessions to suspend rules or regulations administered by state administrative agencies. Under the resolution, the Legislature could call a joint committee after the current session -- ends Dec. 18 -- through Jan. 13. Whitmerโs COVID-19 briefingREAD: Whitmer says Michiganโs increased COVID-19 restrictions are working: โWe are making progressโThe Michigan Constitution gives the committee the power to suspend rules and regulations, such as new COVID-19 orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It would only apply to any new orders agencies would submit during the time the entire Legislature was out of session. Several people gathered outside the home of Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), on Dec. 15 to protest the stateโs current COVID restrictions.
Michigan COVID restrictions in effect through Dec. 20: What to know
Michiganโs COVID restrictions will remain as is for at least another 12 days, the governor and state health officials announced Monday, Dec. 7. Now the order remains in effect through Sunday, Dec. 20. Upon completion of this most recent Order, restaurant dining rooms will have been closed for 118 days, nearly one-third of the calendar year. โ Grant Hermes (@GrantHermes) December 7, 2020Related: Gretchen Whitmer seeks $100m stimulus to aid Michigan economyFace mask requirementUnder this MDHHS epidemic order, all persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. Again, this order first went into effect on Nov. 18, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., at which time the October 29, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded, the state says.
Push back continues over Michiganโs COVID-19 restrictions
Gretchen Whitmer has extended her recent partial shutdown and the push back against them is growing. Perhaps we could take a step back and pause and maybe take a look at what theyโre doing right. We have people losing jobs, businesses and homes.โWhitmer has extended COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire Tuesday for another 12 days. The COVID restrictions will now end December 20 and keep things including indoor dining at restaurants closed. Details: Michigan COVID restrictions extended through Dec. 20: What to knowRead: Michigan extends COVID-19 restrictions for 12 days to gauge Thanksgiving impactRead more: Michiganโs โ3-week pauseโ COVID restrictions in effect: What to know
Michigan health officials release studies used to determine COVID-19 restrictions
LANSING, Mich. โ On Monday, Michigan health officials released a series of studies, which they have used to justify the decision to halt indoor dining, close entertainment venues and call a timeout on organized sports, as well as the 12-day extension. โThis may be the most difficult time in our whole struggle with COVID-19 since March, especially with the holidays approaching,โ Gov. For weeks, restaurant owners and lawmakers have asked the governor to be more transparent about the science behind the orders. Experts are hoping hospitalizations decline and want cases and the positivity rate to drop before lifting the restrictions. People are still coming into ERs even weeks after they have been diagnosed,โ Khaldun said.
Officials want hospitalizations, cases to drop before lifting extended Michigan COVID restrictions
Gretchen Whitmer has extended COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire Tuesday for another 12 days. The COVID restrictions will now end December 20 and keep things including indoor dining at restaurants closed. When making the announcement today during a press conference Whitmer hinted that the restaurants are not going to all reopen at once either. Details: Michigan COVID restrictions extended through Dec. 20: What to knowRead: Michigan extends COVID-19 restrictions for 12 days to gauge Thanksgiving impactRead more: Michiganโs โ3-week pauseโ COVID restrictions in effect: What to knowโHere we are a few weeks before Christmas, and we are already sadly above that mark. Itโs not my fault, not Dr. Jโs fault or director Gordonโs fault.
Michigan health director favors latest ruling in restaurantsโ COVID restrictions lawsuit
Maloney turned down a request for an injunction with a week left in the three-week indoor dining ban. Restaurants predict that the steady loss of customers could put many of them out of business. Whitmer said about chance of Michiganโs stricter COVID-19 rules extending past 3 weeksThe MRLA and some restaurants sued the state health director. They said they can safely provide indoor dining and were being treated unfairly when compared to other businesses. The health director offered six key things that medical professionals know about the virus right now:
Michiganโs โ3-week pauseโ COVID restrictions in effect: What to know
Under new restrictions issued Sunday evening by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), hereโs what is closed starting Wednesday, Nov. 18 until Dec. 8 in Michigan. Hair salons, barber shops, other personal services (Per the MDHHS order -- Section 4.e. : In facilities offering non-essential personal care services, including hair, nail, tanning, massage, traditional spa, tattoo, body art, and piercing services, and similar personal care services, gatherings are only. (MDHHS)Face mask requirementUnder this MDHHS epidemic order, all persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. Again, this order takes effect on November 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM, at which time the October 29, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded, the state says.
Beaumont Hospital-Taylor reinstates visitor safety restrictions as COVID cases rise
Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak and Troy already reinstated visitor restrictions on Tuesday, Nov. 10. โWeโve had a notable rise in COVID-19 cases in Metro Detroit,โ said Dr. Nick Gilpin, medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology for Beaumont Health. Visitors with a person receiving care at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Taylor and Troy must leave after bringing that person into the Emergency Center. Our COVID-19 Data section tracks many of the key data points health officials are watching closely every single day. Track key COVID-19 data points in Michigan:
Why is indoor dining at Michigan restaurants being shut down for 3 weeks despite fewer outbreaks?
Why is Michigan shutting down indoor dining at restaurants for three weeks even though there arenโt as many outbreaks linked to restaurants compared to other activities? From Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8, Michiganders will only be able to order takeout from restaurants, unless outdoor seating is available. Gretchen Whitmer was asked the following question Sunday when she announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Serviceโs new COVID-19 rules. โRestaurants and bars were able at least to mitigate some difficulties earlier in the year with outdoor dining. โThatโs why this activity, like the others that are being addressed, fell into this category.โWhitmer said shutting down indoor dining at restaurants is among the actions health experts recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19.
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE report -- Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020
DETROIT โ The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued new COVID restrictions Sunday evening involving restaurants, bars, high schools, colleges, in-person working and more. As of now, the restrictions are in place for three weeks -- from Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8. Wind gusts will be down to 35 mph, and sustained winds will be between 15 and 25 mph. Scattered rain and snow showers are possible, especially north of 8 Mile Road. 4 Fast FactsSaturday, Nov. 14, 2020 --
New study renews concerns about role of restaurants, bars in spread of COVID-19
DETROIT โ Rapidly climbing case counts of COVID-19 have led to cities and counties in several states to issue new restrictions on restaurants and bars. READ: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 244,741; Death toll now at 7,929A new study is renewing concerns about the role restaurants and bars may play in helping to spread COVID-19. Researchers from Stanford University studied cell phone data from 10 U.S. cities collected from March to May of this year. They found full-service restaurants were the riskiest place for new infections, about four times riskier than gyms and coffee shops. READ: Top Henry Ford Health doctor worried about Michigan COVID-19 deaths rising in near future
Local 4 News at 5 -- Nov. 4, 2020
Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:โWatchersโ demand vote counting access at TCF Center, denied due to COVID-19 restrictionsHank Winchester was at the TCF Center on Wednesday when there were some chaotic moments. People tried to get into the center to watch the ballots being counted. They were denied access on the grounds of COVID-19 restrictions.
Michigan will allow indoor nursing home visits depending on county risk level
Michigan will allow indoor visitation to long term care facilities for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started in the state. The state had previously allowed outdoor visits and visits for terminally ill patients. Under the order, visitation rules are linked to the risk level of the county. Residential care visitation order infographic. Based on county risk levels and the type of visit, some visitors will be required to receive COVID testing prior to entry.
MDHHS issues new order requiring masks, restricting gatherings, limiting some businesses in Michigan
Bars must close indoor common areas, and indoor gatherings are prohibited in most areas where alcohol is sold. The epidemic order that Director Gordon issued today is an important step to protect Michiganders across the state from the spread of COVID-19. The order also requires children and staff members to wear masks at schools, except for in Michigan Economic Recovery Council Region 6. Indoor gatherings of more than 10 and up to 500 people occurring at a non-residential venue are permitted within certain limits. Indoor gatherings are prohibited anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold, except for table services where parties are separated from one another by at least six feet.
Whatโs going on with coronavirus orders in Michigan? Just look at Wisconsin
Gretchen Whitmer on Friday, stating that she did not have the authority to issue public health orders without legislative approval. Wisconsin virus cases are surgingItโs been five months since the ruling, but now -- the virus is out of control in Wisconsin. Wisconsin health officials on Saturday said the state set a single-day record for COVID-19 cases with nearly 2,900 positive tests. A county health official in Wisconsin says heโs frustrated with the lack of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and is quitting. The number of people hospitalized in Wisconsin reached a record-high of 737 on Sept. 30, according to state health officials and the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Canada extends U.S. border restrictions to Oct. 21
TORONTO, ONT โ Canada is extending the agreement to keep the U.S. border closed to non-essential travel to Oct. 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions were announced on March 18 and have been extended each month since. Essential cross-border workers like healthcare professionals, airline crews and truck drivers are still permitted to cross. Truck drivers are critical as they move food and medical goods in both directions. Much of Canadaโs food supply comes from or via the U.S.Americans who are returning to the U.S. and Canadians who are returning to Canada are also exempted from the border closure.
Michigans new mask rules take effect today
DETROIT New rules about masks took effect in Michigan at midnight Monday. July 12, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 69,338; Death toll now at 6,068We are going to make sure everyone who walks in puts a mask on. RELATED: Michigan officials: Face mask exempt cards illegitimateIts the same situation at both Exodus Rooftop Lounge and Golden Fleece restaurant. When theyre getting up to be seated or going to the bathroom or exiting, a mask is mandatory, said Yanni Dionisopoulos. Were all in favor of that.He said he wished the stricter mask rules were issued earlier.
Michigan Retailers Association concerned about enforcing mask order
Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. July 11, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 68,948; Death toll now at 6,067As store and restaurant owners grapple with enforcing the new order on masks, the states largest association of retailers is criticizing the order and hoping Gov. The Michigan Retailers Association came out strongly against the order requiring businesses to enforce the mask requirements. Spokesperson Meegan Holland said the MRA had been working with Whitmers officer in hopes of a more strict mask order that would involve law enforcement. Part of the problem is that sales associates arent trained to do this kind of enforcement, Holland said.
New order requires Michigan businesses to refuse entry to those who wonโt wear mask
Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. The order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. The executive order takes effect at 12:01am on Monday, July 13. Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governorโs previous Executive Order 2020-114.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs order requiring masks in indoor, some outdoor public spaces
Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new Executive Order requiring masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces as COVID-19 cases spike in the state. Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governors previous Executive Order 2020-114. Whitmer said on Thursday that the state was considering tightening mask rules as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state.
Violation of Michigan mask order now a misdemeanor subject to $500 fine
Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. The executive order takes effect at 12:01am on Monday, July 13. A willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor subject to a $500 criminal penalty, but no term of confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement. Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governors previous Executive Order 2020-114.
Michigan businesses required to enforce new mask mandate
Gretchen Whitmer signed a new Executive Order requiring Michiganders to wear masks in indoor public spaces and some outdoor public spaces. Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. Additionally, businesses are required to refuse entry to people who do not wear a mask. Some customers were questioning why it seems like so many are fighting to wear a mask, putting businesses and their staff in the middle. You either choose to put the mask on or you got to choose to leave my building right now.
Michigan eases visitor restrictions on nursing homes, long-term care, juvenile facilities
DETROIT โ Michigan is easing restrictions on visiting nursing homes and other care facilities for limited circumstances as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The orders allow expanded visitation in long-term care facilities including nursing homes, and in facilities for youth who are in child caring institutions or juvenile justice facilities. One order applies to residential long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance abuse disorder residential facilities, independent living facilities and assisted living facilities. The other order affects youth in congregate care facilities โ known as child caring institutions โ and juvenile justice facilities โ also known as juvenile detention facilities. Safety requirements that facilities must follow to allow visitors can be found in the epidemic orders for residential long-term care facilities and for congregate care facilities.
Washington Township water restrictions put in place
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. Due to an increase in demand, Washington Township public water customers will immediately be required to restrict outside water use to an even-odd schedule. Public water customers with an address ending in an odd number are only to water on odd calendar days. Meanwhile, public water customers with an address ending in an even number are only to water on even calendar days. It is essential that Washington Township public water customers water comply with these restrictions to limit future water rates increases from the Great Lakes Water Authority. These restrictions have been adopted in order to receive the best rates possible for public water customers.
Michigan governor extends restrictions on entering nursing homes
Gretchen Whitmer has extended an Executive Order that restricts visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Executive Order 2020-136 extends existing safety measures to maintain restrictions regarding entry to care facilities designed to protect vulnerable populations. Whitmer also signed Executive Order 2020-135, which creates the bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force will be charged with, among other things, analyzing relevant data on the threat of COVID-19 in nursing homes, and making recommendations to the governor on improving data quality, and releasing periodic reports to the governor on its findings and recommendations. The task force must produce a recommendation to the governor for an action plan on how to prepare nursing homes for any future wave of COVID-19 cases by August 31, 2020.