news

Here is an update for August 17th. 

Thought of the day: “Keep looking up… that’s the secret of life.” — Charlie Brown

Yesterday, Michigan reported 565 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths related to the virus. In Michigan, new cases have plateaued in the last two weeks, while deaths remain flat. Testing has remained steady, with an average of more than 25,000 per day, with the positive rate between 3 and 4 percent. We need to all do our part and we can help keep numbers down.

Pharmaceutical company Novavax — one of the companies leading the charge for a COVID-19 vaccine — announced they will enter phase 2 of clinical trials. For you frequent readers, you will remember earlier this month Novavax announced their phase 1 trial for the vaccine candidate produced "robust antibody responses,” which is a positive response according to scientists. The phase 2 trials will take place in South Africa because South Africa is currently experiencing a winter surge of COVID-19 disease and will help provide an early indication of the vaccines effectiveness. Will provide updates as we learn more. 

Last night, Speaker Pelosi officially announced the House will return to Washington this week to address Post Office issues. I will return to DC on Wednesday for this. The USPS is being deliberately mismanaged. It delivers live-saving medication, essential services, and will be an important and critical tool for our democracy. To protect this service, we will vote on the “Delivering for America Act,” which prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1, 2020. 

Tragedy struck Grosse Ile and the Downrivers last night. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said 12 people were on board a boat that capsized off Stony Island, near Grosse Ile. This includes seven young people and five adults. Two of the adults, including Father Rooney from St. Joseph’s are missing. Let us pray searches find them this morning. These are the times we pull together, support each other and the families involved. I know all involved. Thankful for those that are safe and praying for a miracle. I knew everyone on the boat and events like this just suddenly ground you. 

Many students and parents continue to worry about returning to colleges this fall. There are many issues to consider. Dr. Preeti N. Malani from the University of a Michigan (who was an expert several times on our townhalls) wrote the following piece in the New York Times this week on how college students could stay safe during the Fall semester. Now is the time for strategic thought that has the safety of our communities at the forefront.

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.