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Here is an update for July 6th. 

Thought of the day: “Our humanity makes us each a part of something greater than ourselves.” – Sonia Sotomayor

Hope everyone had a good and safe 4th of July. I was able to spend time with veterans, young people and around the district wearing my mask, urging people to be careful, and reminding them to follow the guidelines. But as always, it feels good to have that human connection. Texas, Florida and Arizona are having alarming spikes in numbers, and 32 states including Michigan that have numbers that are climbing again. Videos circulating on social media of hundreds of young people at Diamond Lake Sandbar not practicing social distancing or wearing masks gets your attention. We don’t want to return to the fear and anxiety of earlier months.

For the first time since March, Michigan reported no deaths related to COVID-19 on Sunday. However, there were 343 new COVID-19 cases. Michigan is doing a better job than states like Florida, Arizona, and Texas to slowdown the spread of the virus, but that doesn’t mean the virus is gone. We say this every day, please be smart. Practice physical distancing, wear your mask (Dr. Fauci says so), wash your hands frequently, and carry hand sanitizer. This virus isn’t going away unless we all take the proper precautions. 

Yesterday, Dr. Hahn — the Commissioner of the FDA — made a promise that no COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to the public without it being proven to be effective and safe. This is an important promise and a promise all of us in Congress will ensure stays true. It’s also a promise I pressed him and Dr. Fauci on last month. 

New Federal data shows that Black and Latin-Americans have been three times more likely to become infected with COVID-19 than white Americans. These disparities exist across state lines — it’s true across the entire country. It’s on us as a country to address these disparities and make sure healthcare, job access, and safety from COVID-19 is not determined by your zip code.

The United States and Canada have an agreement to limit non-essential travel between the two countries until July 21st. Both countries are being smart and keeping the safety of our communities deeply matters. This agreement is based on 30-day intervals, and some communities are witnessing families and individuals being separated. On Friday, I and other representatives requested both our country and Canada to put together a comprehensive framework for phased reopening at the border. We are asking for both countries to consider how to help family members and property owners without endangering either country. Our countries have worked well together, and we hope a framework can be put in place. Will provide more updates as we learn more.

Senior citizens can call for transportation for medical visits and essential services through the Senior Citizens Service Division of the Recreation Department once again. The Dearborn Senior Bus Service will transport Dearborn residents aged 60 or over. The service is curb to curb. Reservations are required and must be made at least four days in advance. There is no fee at this time. To schedule a ride, call 313-943-4083 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. To reach the Senior Services Division for other matters, please call 313- 943-2412 or 313-943-2009.

Starting today, the daily update will move to every other day. We will be back on Wednesday with a new update and news. Hope you have a nice day!

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.