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Here’s an update for Monday, March 16, we will continue these updates as long as necessary.

As of last night, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Michigan is 53. This is very real, and it is so important we all do our part to distance ourselves to mitigate the spread. Staying home and staying calm is critical at this moment.

With the number of people infected by the virus increasing, the Center for Disease Control recommended all events of 50 or more people should be cancelled or suspended. It breaks my heart to hear of graduations and other traditional events with long histories of tying us together being cancelled or postponed. It’s the responsible thing to do, but it’s still a tough decision. 

Effective at 3pm, Governor Whitmer announced that all restaurants, theaters, gyms, and libraries in Michigan will be closed. Take-out and delivery will still be available from restaurants. The governor also expanded who can file unemployment benefits. This applies to those out of work caring for family members who are sick or because of school closures; workers who are “sick, quarantined or immunocompromised” and don’t have paid family and medical leave; workers who have been laid off; and first responders who became sick or quarantined. Those eligible for these benefits should apply online at www.Michigan.gov/UIA or call (866-500-0017). We expect more announcements in the coming days at all levels of government. 

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy announced they will suspend electric and natural gas shut-offs for low-income customers. During this time of uncertainty, Michiganders must know they will have access to power even if they can’t afford the bill. We must look out for one another.

I’m available — as I always am. Right now we have many issues coming up. Tonight, I am joining Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun for a Facebook live town hall at 7pm. You can tune in here. I will continue to make myself accessible, even under these circumstances. Expect me to announce more telephone town halls or Facebook live events in the coming days.

On the advice of the experts related to the public health risk caused by coronavirus, both my Michigan and Washington, DC offices will begin to telework starting Monday, March 16. During this time, we will always be available and will continue to serve the people of Michigan’s 12th Congressional District. We will also continue to provide regular updates on coronavirus. To contact us, you can call the offices at 313-278-2936 in Dearborn or 202-225-4071 in DC and leave a message – we will get back to you. We are checking it hourly. You can also email us through our website or leave a message on any of my social media pages.

Last Friday, the House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Senate still hasn’t taken it up. This legislation will be critical for Michiganders and American families. It will guarantee paid sick leave for many workers who don’t already have it, free testing for coronavirus and increases in Medicaid, economic security to help hardworking men and women, and food security to help food banks, kids who rely on school meal programs, and low-income seniors through Meals on Wheels.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act begins to meet the needs of our communities by going directly to the hardworking men, women, and families deeply affected by the virus. Congress will continue to work hard to deliver what the American people need during the crisis.

Thought of the day:

Be aware and don’t panic. Only view trusted sources for updates and know we are all in this together. By following steps recommended by the CDC like washing our hands and practicing social distancing, you are doing your part to keep all of us safe.

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 2-1-1 or 734-287-7870 from within Michigan to connect with help of all kinds including food, housing, healthcare, and more.

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.

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.