news

Here is an update for August 28th. 

Thought of the day: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."  — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yesterday, Michigan reported 758 new COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths related to the virus. Our state’s fatality rate has hit 6.4% among known cases. Nationally, over 43,000 new cases were reported. Cases are down nationwide, but we are averaging 900 deaths a day. We must continue to practice physical distancing.

On Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm in Ypsilanti, the Michigan National Guard will run a no-cost community COVID-19 testing program. The location will be at the Washtenaw County Health Department, 22 Center Street. If you or anyone you know may have come in contact with the virus, works in an industry where you come in contact with a large group of people, or just wants to be safe — please share this information with them. Testing, testing, testing remains key to us having a grip on this virus. 

Abbott Laboratories announced they were given emergency use authorization for a rapid COVID-19 test they created that returns results in 15 minutes. The FDA granted this authorization, with the tests to be primarily used for people who are suspected to have COVID-19. The test does not require special computer equipment or anything similar to that. The test is the size of a credit card and is based on the same technology used to test for the flu, strep throat and other infections. We will provide an update when we learn more on how these tests will be distributed. 

Yesterday, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order which prohibits employers from discharging, disciplining, or retaliating against employees who make the responsible choice to stay home when they or their close contacts are sick. This order from the Governor is crucial, as it comes when thousands of Michiganders are no longer receiving that extra $600 in unemployment they so badly needed. The governors order will give working men and women the protection they need from retaliation from their employer if they do not feel safe going into work.

As colleges and residence halls reopen for students, it is concerning that there are already positive cases.University of Michigan reported that two students on campus have tested positive for COVID-19. Safety protocols are critically important as students return to campus and must be followed and respected. 

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.