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Here is an update for May 3rd. 

Thought of the day: There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.  — Alan Cohen

It’s Sunday and some call it a day of rest. There isn’t much rest in this new world we are all in, restlessness, anxiety, worry don’t make for calming times. Use routine as a balm. Go for a long walk and call colleagues to check on them. Check in with family and friends, play a game of video trivia (I am), cook a favorite meal. Make today be the one you want it to be.

We need to continue to think about how we help take care of those most vulnerable and what we can do to make their lives as easy as possible. Yesterday, Governor Whitmer ordered that grocery stores and pharmacies must set aside two hours dedicated shopping time for vulnerable patrons, including seniors, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions. A lot of grocery stores offer these hours early in the morning, but reach out to your local grocery store to determine the times they offer. Don’t forget you need a mask in contained spaces.

We also need to be vigilant on nursing homes. They remain a significant epicenter of COVID-19 in many states. Too many seniors think we have just decided their lives don’t matter and aren’t worth saving. They tell me that. That is not and cannot ever be true. We need testing, testing, testing! We need to pay workers enough so they know they are valued, matter and it is critical they don’t have to work at several nursing homes to make enough to live, and contribute to cross contamination between locations. We need strong infection control, PPE equipment is as important here as in hospitals and we need increased and often surprise inspections. Families may not be able to visit but they can and need to ask questions, be vigilant and find ways to keep their loved ones connected, monitored and reaffirmed they are loved. And we need to ensure that every person in a nursing home, senior living facility, and long-term care knows that their life matters, we care and there is a reason to live.

Don’t forget help is here when you need it. If you are facing a mental health crisis for any reason, text RESTORE to 741741. The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 to have a confidential text conversation with a trained crisis counselor. You can find more resources at Michigan.gov/StayWell.

Team Dingell is here seven days a week and wants to listen and help. It isn’t as smooth as we want on some issues, but we will never stop fighting for you. Call our office at 313-278-2936 or contact us through Facebook or our webpage.
 
New information becomes available every day. Below is a list of resources and information that can be helpful during this time. Please share this information with your family, friends, and colleagues. Remember, stay home, stay safe, save lives.

Coronavirus information

File for unemployment

Small Businesses can apply for low-interest disaster loans

Navigating Social Security Benefits
 
School Based Food Service Interactive Map
 
Food Banks and Kitchens in Michigan's 12th Congressional District
 
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, or 888-535-6136.