As promised, we will be giving you daily updates on the coronavirus.
Last night, Michigan confirmed 12 cases of coronavirus. Health officials are working around the clock to contain the virus and keep our community safe.
Governor Whitmer ordered all K-12 schools across Michigan to close until April 6th. My office has put together a running list of all cancellations, suspensions, or postponements for schools, events, and meetings across Michigan’s 12th Congressional District. The page will be updated on a regular basis. Please find the link directly below.
Suspensions, Cancellations, Information, and More.
In Congress, we are working to pass legislation that will provide support to families during this time. This afternoon the House should pass measures to address the economic safety and wellbeing of Americans. Key provisions will include:
- Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. In negotiations with the Administration, House Democrats insisted that all people who need to be tested – at the advice of a medical professional – have access.
- Paid emergency leave, with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.
- Enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a first step that will extend protections to furloughed workers. The Administration had insisted that UI changes be made by Administrative action; Democrats successfully ensured that this be done by legislation.
- Strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ nutrition and food banks. Democrats have ensured that SNAP work requirements will be paused for the duration of the public health crisis.
- Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face increased costs.
Yesterday, we had a telephone town hall meeting and answered a number of questions. The hour long session is available on my Facebook page here. Contact numbers for people looking for information are:
- Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov/coronavirus, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
- Michigan.gov/coronavirus, Call 211 from within Michigan to connect with help of all kinds including food, housing, healthcare, and more
Finally, we all must take responsibility to mitigate the spread. There are many steps you can take to prevent the spread of the virus. You should frequently wipe down hard surfaces and high contact areas (telephones, doorknobs, desks, railings, counters, computer mouse etc.) with a standard home disinfectant product and allow to air dry per manufacturer instructions.
Hygiene Procedures
Remember to wash your hands. Period. Frequent hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds at a time should be done immediately after touching high contact areas, such as doorknobs, railings, phones, etc. It is also highly encouraged to clean your phone, computers and iPads. When soap is unavailable, have hand sanitizer to use as a substitute. Personal hygiene matters.
You should wash hands/use hand sanitizers before and after visitations and meetings.
Social Distancing
Maintain a supply of medications, food and other essentials in your house.
This matters. You should be aware of your stance and positioning at all times and avoid close direct, contact with other individuals, such as shaking hands, hugging, taking selfies, people talking to you, standing in line, etc.
Avoid large meetings and events. Schools, universities, sports teams, etc. are all looking at this. Conduct meetings via teleconference. This protects the health of all participants. Reduce in- person gatherings and activities as well.
Avoid traveling if not necessary and limit non-essential work travel. People who are older and have underlying conditions need to be particularly vigilant.
Business should prepare and activate telework procedures. We need to remember this impacts many contract/independent workers who support many people. We must make sure we are not economically harming people during these times.
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 visits to only those who are absolutely necessary.
Other things to think about
You can stay in social contact without physical presence. Call your family, use FaceTime, have virtual office meetings.
You can stay busy, catch up on home projects like cleaning your closets, watch movies, read that book you have been wanting to do.
Don’t isolate yourself, just think different about staying in touch.
Stay in touch with your family, colleagues, neighbors and seniors who need someone to care.
Food banks in our area are able to help you if you need it.
This is today’s thought. We will have regular communications to keep you updated and answer questions. Be safe, be calm and wash your hands.
