Author: Doug Donnelly

From state of Michigan’s March 23, 2020, news release

LANSING — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to 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.  
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 24, 2020, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their home or place of residence under very limited circumstances, and they must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when they do so, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household to the extent feasible under the circumstances. 
“In just 13 days, we’ve gone from 0 to over 1,000 COVID-19 cases,” said Whitmer. “This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.” 
“Taking aggressive action to protect our communities is the most important thing we can do to mitigate further spread of COVID-19,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “If we do this now, we can make sure our hospitals and healthcare workers are prepared to take care of the sickest people. It is crucial that people do the right thing by staying home and staying safe.” 
Executive Order 2020-21 prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes, unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations. Businesses and operations are to designate the workers that meet those criteria, and must adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers and patrons in the performance of that necessary in-person work. 
Workers that are necessary to sustain or protect life include those in health care and public health, law enforcement and public safety, grocery store workers, and more. For a full list of these critical infrastructure workers, click the link to Executive Order 2020-21 at the bottom of this page. 
Additionally, under Executive Order 2020-21, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons outside a single household are temporarily prohibited. People may leave the house to perform for limited, necessary purposes, and may engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity, consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside a person’s household and with other restrictions imposed by prior executive orders. 
Michigan is currently in the top five states in the nation in number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Several governors across the country have taken similar steps to protect their communities from the spread of COVID-19, including governors Mike DeWine (R-OH), Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), Tom Wolf (D-PA), Gavin Newsom (D-CA), John Bel Edwards (D-LA), Phil Murphy (D-NJ), and Ned Lamont (D-CT). 
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:    
• Fever       
• Cough       
• Shortness of breath       
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is:  
• If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call 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.       
Information around 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 8AM – 5PM daily.   
Michiganders can apply for unemployment benefits if they have left work or taken a leave of absence because of self-isolation or self-quarantine in response to elevated risk from COVID-19 due to being immunocompromised, displaying the symptoms of COVID-19, having contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, the need to care for someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or a family care responsibility as a result of a government directive. Those temporarily laid off from work should apply for unemployment benefits online at www.michigan.gov/UIA or 1-866-500-0017.  
Whitmer is working to ensure that children who rely on the food provided by schools will have the resources they need. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has developed an online map for families to find meals. Families can access the map at: https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/. 
On March 19, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved the governor’s request for a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration, opening the opportunity to small businesses to access low-interest loans from the SBA. The application for disaster loan assistance is available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. For businesses looking for more information on how to apply for an SBA EIDL loan or whether it is something they should consider, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19. 

ADRIAN, MI – The Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority has reduced face-to-face contacts. Those who are in need of services, are asked to call the office at (517) 263-8905 or (800) 664-5005. An access clinician will conduct a screening to determine if the caller needs to be seen face-to-face. Most business, including assessments and some crises, can be handled over the phone or video, according to Executive Director Kathryn Szewczuk. For those who are unable to call or need to be seen face-to-ace, a health screening andnecessary precautions will be taken prior to the appointment.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is understandably creating an increase in anxiety and fear. This is a normal reaction to a worldwide crisis,” Szewczuk said in a news release distributed by Lenawee County. “We are here to help. Beginning Monday, March 23, we will be offering community groups to help you cope with the stress and anxiety. These groups are conducted via Zoom by a Master’s level clinician. They will be held every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can join the group by going to our Facebook page or our website at www.lcmha.org (click on the Coronavirus link). You can join by computer or phone.”
She added that staff is still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

News release from Lenawee County March 20, 2020

PROMEDICA HEALTH SYSTEMS UPDATE
ADRIAN – Promedica Health Systems will continue to take steps to keep the residents of Lenawee County updated on their local hospitals.
Visitors and employees will be screened at all open entrances for fever over 100.5 degrees and/or cough or respiratory symptoms. If the visitor fails this screening they will not be allowed in the facility in an effort to protect our patients and staff. Visitors and employees that fail screening will be advised to contact their physician or given an information sheet that gives phone numbers to contact ProMedica Health Systems for screening information. ProMedica Health Systems screening line is (419) 291-5355
The Grace Christman entrance will be open for screening 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends it will only be open for employees from 6-8 a.m.
Personal Protective Equipment – As with all medical care facilities throughout the United States, there are limited supplies of Personal Protective Equipment. If you will be a visitor in any of the ProMedica facilities you will be asked to only take one mask for your visit.

UPDATE FROM FIRE AND EMS AGENCIES
The Fire and EMS agencies are at normal response levels, and available should someone need to call 911.
If you should have any Fire or EMS related questions or concerns please direct them to Ryan Rank – Lenawee County Fire Chief’s President at rrank@madisontwp.com or by calling 517-265-6560, ext. 301.

ADRIAN ‐ The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of scams and many have asked for information, we have put together a “What Not to Do” list:

1. Never give out any personal or banking account information to anyone that contacts you asking for the information.
2. Never pay by Apple Cards, I-Tune Cards, Green Dot Cards or any type of payment cards. Businesses and the government do not except this type of payment. This is a type of payment used by scammers.
3. Never give out or confirm your personal or banking information to anyone that calls you. If they are someone you have a valid account with they already have the information.
4. Never trust your phones caller identification display, scammers can make the identification say anything.
5. Never trust your email header you receive it may not be the person or institution the email says it is.
6. ONLY give personal information to someone you called and you know the number you called is for that business.

DO NOT believe everything you see or read on Facebook or Social Media accounts. Scams are on the increase because the world is in crisis. With the virus on the increase, scammers are stepping up their calls. Remember if you get a call saying you owe money or they are asking for donations, hang up and call the business that is calling you to confirm they called you. Consider donations to local chapters to insure the donation goes to the cause.

For information on current scams do to: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-81903_20942-514663–,00.html

State of Michigan Press Release March 20, 2020

LANSING — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-17, which imposes temporary restrictions on non-essential medical and dental procedures beginning as soon as possible but no later than March 21, 2020, at 5 p.m. 

Executive Order 2020-17 states that hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, and dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities, must implement a plan to temporarily postpone all non-essential procedures until the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.  

“My number one priority remains to flatten the curve and protect the most people we can from the spread of coronavirus,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our health care workers are on the front lines every day protecting Michiganders during these extraordinary and difficult times. By postponing all non-essential medical and dental procedures, we expect to reduce the strain on the health care system and protect people. My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during these challenging times.” 

“By putting this order into place, we will be able to reduce the strain on our healthcare community,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Healthcare professionals are working around the clock to help protect and treat Michiganders, and by temporarily postponing non-essential procedures, this will free up staff and critical resources that will be needed to address the ongoing public health emergency that we are facing.” 

A facility covered by this order that performs medical procedures must postpone, at a minimum, joint replacement, bariatric surgery, and cosmetic surgery, except for emergency or trauma-related surgery where postponement would significantly impact the health, safety, and welfare of the patient. 

These facilities should exclude from postponement advanced cardiovascular disease (including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias) that would prolong life; oncological testing, treatment, and related procedures; pregnancy-related visits and procedures; labor and delivery; organ transplantation; and procedures related to dialysis. 

Additionally, these facilities must exclude from postponement emergency or trauma-related procedures where postponement would significantly impact the health, safety, and welfare of the patient. 

 

Facilities covered by this order that perform dental procedures must postpone, at a minimum, any cosmetic or aesthetic procedures, like veneers, teeth bleaching or cosmetic bonding; all routine hygiene appointments; any orthodontic procedures that do not relieve pain or infection, restore oral function, or are not trauma-related; initiation of any crowns, bridges, or dentures that do not relieve pain or infection, restore oral function, or are not trauma-related; any periodontal plastic surgery; extraction of asymptomatic non-carious teeth; and recall visits for periodontally healthy patients. 

If a dental facility chooses to remain open, its plan must exclude from postponement emergency or trauma-related procedures where postponement would significantly impact the health, safety, and welfare of the patient. 

10:12 a.m. March 20, 2020 State Press Release

LANSING — Economic assistance for small businesses around Michigan that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus gained approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.

“We understand small businesses across our state are facing unprecedented challenges as we take every step possible to mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Through decisive actions like those taken today by the MSF Board to authorize relief for small businesses throughout Michigan, we are leveraging every resource available to support our businesses, communities and entrepreneurs around the state impacted by this outbreak.”

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program approved today authorizes the MEDC provide up to $20 million in support for small businesses. The funding is divided between $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in small business loans to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce.

The $10 million in grant funding will be provided to local or nonprofit economic development organizations throughout the state to provide grants up to $10,000 each to support certain small businesses that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

In order to qualify for grant support, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• The company is in an industry outlined in Executive Order 2020-9, or any subsequent Executive Order of similar intent (“EO”), or demonstrates it is otherwise affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as meeting additional criteria;
• The company has 50 employees or fewer;
• The company needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business; and
• The company is able to demonstrate an income loss as a result of the EO, or the COVID-19 outbreak.

Additionally, the program authorizes the MEDC to provide up to $10 million for small business loans to one or more Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) or a licensed SBA not-for-profit institutions (“Eligible SBA Non-Profit”), or directly from the MSF to eligible borrowers to be used to provide low-interest loans with flexible repayment terms to support certain small businesses statewide that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Loans to eligible borrowers must be $50,000 or more and are capped at $200,000. 

In order to qualify for loan support, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• The company is in an industry outlined in Executive Order 2020-9 (“EO”), or demonstrates it is otherwise affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, or is a company that provides goods and services to companies to the aforementioned;
• The company has fewer than 100 employees;
• The company needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business;
• The company can demonstrate that it is unable to access credit through alternative sources;
• The company can demonstrate an income loss of as a result of Executive Order 2020-9.

The MEDC anticipates that at least 1,100 businesses across the state will benefit from this program.

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program will be a top priority for the MEDC, with funds being available no later than April 1, 2020. Loan and grant proceeds under the Michigan Small Business Relief Program may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business. Through this program, in combination with other programs and services, the state will ensure economic support is available to Michigan’s small businesses to overcome anticipated loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 virus through both grant and loan opportunities.

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, many small businesses are faced with significant economic impacts, including challenges with cash flow and resources to support their workforce,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “The Michigan Small Business Relief program will provide immediate assistance to the small businesses around the state who are facing revenue loss as a result of tough, but necessary steps that have been taken to mitigate the spread of the virus.”

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program is the latest effort of MEDC to support Michigan businesses as they are impacted by COVID-19. MEDC has just launched a new free, statewide online procurement platform for buyers and suppliers of critical health and human services across a broad range of categories to minimize the impact of the virus in the state. The platform will allow health and human service providers in need of critical supplies to connect with suppliers of vital goods and services.

It also builds Governor Whitmer’s application for a U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration to ensure federal economic support is available to Michigan businesses. Earlier this month, Congress passed legislation making $1 billion available to the SBA to provide low-interest loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These loans offer up to $2 million in assistance to support businesses with any temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing due to the outbreak, and will have a significant regional impact for communities across the state as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

For more resources for small businesses in Michigan impacted by COVID-19 visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19.

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

10 a.m. March 20, 2020 State of Michigan Press Release
LANSING — The count of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as of midnight Thursday includes results from commercial and clinical labs who recently began providing COVID-19 testing. These results increased the state’s positive case count to a total of 336 at that time.
“We are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide testing results from hospitals and other entities outside of our state laboratory,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We knew there were additional people in Michigan with COVID-19 that had not yet been tested. This emphasizes the need to continue to practice social distancing and other community mitigation practices to help slow the spread of this disease.”
MDHHS is currently receiving reports from commercial labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics and several clinical labs including Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the Beaumont Hospital Network, Henry Ford Health System and the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL).
Testing data will be posted daily around 2 p.m. Results will be from the day before at midnight. Michiganders with questions about COVID-19 can get information in several ways.
• Call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Email COVID19@michigan.gov. Emails are answered seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 e-newsletter at Michigan.gov/coronavirus
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Lenawee County has released this information on a position paper March 19, 2020:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SELF-QUARANTINE?
Self-quarantine or self-isolation means staying home and not leaving to go anywhere, unless you need medical care.
• Keep a distance of about six feet or two meters of others, even in your own household. If possible, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom. If you must care for others in your home, please wash hands regularly and follow proper cough and sneeze etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw it into the trash. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into your elbow, then wash hands. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid sharing personal household items. After using personal items, such as silverware, dishes, towels, sheets and more, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Regularly clean high-touch items such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles,desks, toilets, faucets, sinks.

• Postpone all non-essential appointments until you are out of isolation.

• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and watch symptoms of illness. Record your temperature each time. Notify your local health department if you have a fever or develop any other symptoms of illness. If you need to seek medical attention, call ahead if possible and inform the healthcare provider, ER or EMS services that you are quarantined and monitoring for symptoms.

• Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html

There are currently no known positive cases of COVID-19 in Lenawee County, as of Thursday afternoon, March 19, 2020, per the official Lenawee County news release.

Lenawee County released this information in a position paper today, March 19, 2020:
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CALLING 911
Anyone who needs Emergency Services are told not hesitate to call 911, as Lenawee County Emergency Services is responding to all emergencies.

1. Dispatchers may ask questions to determine if you have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
2. You may only see one medic at first, with the rest of the response team waiting outside. They may ask questions from a distance before making contact.
3. If you are capable of walking outside, emergency personnel may ask you to do so.
4. Medics may be wearing protective equipment such as masks, gowns, and eye protection to protect our staff so that they may continue to serve the community. 
FIRE AND EMS
   The Lenawee County Medical Control Authority and EMS and Fire agencies are adopting response protocols to assure effective emergency response for suspected COVID-19 cases.
   • “We will see changes in the way EMS responds to calls for service and are working on a Telemedicine program to have the Paramedics video conference with a doctor in your home.
   • “We have decontamination procedures in place with a specialized machine that will fumigate ambulances and other public safety vehicles to preserve your safety, should we transport a highly suspected patient.
   • “Constant updates are going out to EMS and Fire Department leadership to ensure everyone stays informed.” 
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 2-1-1 
Central Michigan 2-1-1 connects people in need to health and human service resources in our community.
   • 2-1-1- maintains an up-to-date, comprehensive database of resources and programs available to the community.
   • Anyone in need of any health or human service need who does not know who to call, are asked to please dial 2-1-1 for assistance. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
   • They can also be reached at www.centralmichigan211.org