Debbie's Blog
Dingell Update: December 4, 2020
Washington,
December 4, 2020
Here is an update for December 4. Thought of the day: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama XIV On Thursday, Michigan reported 7,146 new cases and 175 new deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the state’s total cases to 380,343 and deaths to 9,580. Michigan has had the third-highest number of deaths in the U.S. due to COVID over the last seven days, not a number we want to be known for. COVID hospitalizations continue to stretch the U.S. health care system. On Wednesday, the U.S. reported more than 100,000 hospitalizations due to COVID-19. This week continues to set different COVID records and Dr. Fauci said this morning, this isn’t even the post-Thanksgiving surge experts expect. Some hospitals are already being forced to turn away ambulances and setup beds in ambulance garages to deal with the recent surges. We have got to do what we can to slow this virus’ spread and get these numbers under control. We are expected to have two vaccines approved by the FDA in the coming weeks. Plans on how to distribute approved vaccines are taking shape, but its going to take time for them to reach Americans. Vaccines offer us hope, but until you are vaccinated, there is no substitute for strictly following COVID guidelines. Yesterday, President-elect Biden again demonstrated what his clear, concise, and digestible approach to COVID will be, emphasizing the need to have clear communication and a logical plan in place. One of the first steps the new administration will take is implementing a 100-day mask mandate, acknowledging the consensus of experts that say wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways we can slow the spread of COVID. The need for more COVID relief is crystal clear. Millions of Americans are out of work due to COVID. Nearly 13% of American households with children have reported sometimes or often not having enough food to eat. Lines for free basic supplies have grown extremely long. 12 million Americans are set to lose unemployment benefits at the end of the year. We passed two bills in the House after the first two relief packages, but the Senate has failed to act. Unfortunately for millions of Americans, inaction is not an option. The country needs it, Americans want it, and I’m ready to work through Christmas because it’s our job to get this done. It is important if you have symptoms, think you have been exposed or had a family Thanksgiving with people outside of your home, that you be tested. If you think you have been exposed, it is important you quarantine. Michigan is offering FREE COVID-19 testing at various testing sites throughout the state. To find FREE testing location near you, visit the link below and select the “No Cost” checkbox and enter your zip code: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-99891_99912-531745--,00.html?fbclid=IwAR1AjAxo5t9bOKCoXuO_1ws366wP8CghyuEdWlURqpxO5NM1aeTYxtojL_g Be safe, Michigan! Wear your mask, keep your physical distance, and wash those hands! P.S. Michigan has added new FREE testing sites for those who need to be tested. 1. Washtenaw County Health Department is offering free COVID testing at a pop-up testing site in the County Health Department’s parking lot (555 Towner Street, Ypsilanti) tomorrow, Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please pre-register at http://honumg.info/HealthDepartment 2. The 2|42 Community Church in Ann Arbor (648 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor) is offering contactless drive-thru only saliva testing. Testing is available at this site Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this testing site. Those needing to be tested should pre-register here: lynxdx.health/register 3. ACCESS Community Health and Research Center (6450 Maple Street, Dearborn) will offer free mobile COVID testing every Tuesday, from 1-5 p.m. Tests will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis, though you may pre-register by texting “UPG Cares” to 48355. 4. The Dearborn Pharmacy and Apothecary (14715 Ford Road, Dearborn) is offering free testing Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments are required for this location and can be made over the phone by calling 313-908-2212.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.
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