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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The number of COVID-19 cases in Michigan are predictably climbing as more testing occurs and resources are made available. If the necessary precautions are taken nationally, statewide, and by each of us individually, we will hopefully limit the spread of the virus.

For coronavirus updates and information from the state of Michigan, visit: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. Here you will find the latest numbers, information, and detailed descriptions of the governor’s executive orders — including Executive Order 2020-21.

Sources of information for people in need of assistance are also below, including for employees and employers, and those with health care questions.

From my family to yours, we sincerely wish everyone the best during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Rick Outman
State Senator
33rd District

 

Governor’s “stay home” executive order

Details from the governor’s office:

“To combat the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, Governor Whitmer signed the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ executive order. For at least the next three weeks, all Michigan businesses and operations must temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, and all Michiganders must stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.”

YOU CAN:
• Go to the grocery store or pick up takeout food;
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up a needed prescription;
• Engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running or biking;
• Go to the hospital or secure any care necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve your health or the health of a loved one;
• Fill your car with gas;
• Return to Michigan to a home or place of residence from outside the state;
• Leave the state for a home or residence elsewhere; and
• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian for needed medical care.

YOU MAY NOT:
• Leave the home to work unless your employer designates you as a critical infrastructure worker;
• Participate in any public gatherings;
• Visit someone in the hospital, nursing home or other residential care facilities (with limited exceptions); or
• Go to the mall or eat at restaurants.

BUSINESSES THAT REMAIN OPEN FOR IN-PERSON WORK MUST TAKE AGGRESSIVE STEPS TO MINIMIZE THE VIRUS’S SPREAD. THEY MUST:
• Promote remote work to the fullest extent possible;
• Restrict the number of workers present in-person on the job;
• Keep employees at least six feet from one another to the maximum extent possible and enable social distancing for customers who are standing in line; and
• Employ any other social distancing practices and mitigation measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Information on this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For a complete list and more specific information on each executive order and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on newly issued directives, visit this website.

Resources for workers/families affected by coronavirus or closures

211: 2-1-1 connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government resources in your area, such as food pantries, bill pay assistance, family services, utility assistance and more. The 211 system is available by dialing 2-1-1 on your phone or by going to mi211.org.

MI Bridges: This consists of benefits and coverage through the Michigan Department of Health and Human services, such as food assistance, health care and state emergency relief. You may access MI Bridges at michigan.gov/mibridges.

UnemploymentClick here for a fact sheet for claiming unemployment benefits.

Guidelines for unemployment benefits were temporarily expanded to cover the following:

Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, including those who have childcare responsibilities due to school closures, or those who are forced to care for loved ones who become ill;
Workers who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off; and
First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.

You may file an unemployment claim at michigan.gov/uia

Assistance for Employers

Work Share Program during a time of the reduction in hours, to help employees and employers. Details: Click here.
Unemployment Insurance information for employers: Click here.
An employer or employing unit will not be charged for unemployment benefits if their employees become unemployed because of an executive order requiring them to close or limit operations.
The state of Michigan has an Office of Employer Ombudsman to contact with questions; 1-855-484-2636.
Click here for a federal guide of who are considered to be essential workers.


Coronavirus Hotline

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about COVID-19 and to direct residents, providers and more to the right resources in their local communities and other state government departments. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136.

General Information on COVID-19

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call, do not visit, your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
 

Our District

The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties.

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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 33rd Senate District of Michigan. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 33rd District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.


 
Senator Rick Outman
4400 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

 
Visit my website at: www.SenatorRickOutman.com