Debbie's Blog
Dingell Update: December 8, 2020
Washington,
December 8, 2020
Here is an update for December 8. Thought of the day: “Whatever point of view you have, there’s another.” – Jack Kornfield On Monday, Michigan reported 9,350 new cases and 93 new deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the state’s total cases to 404,386 and deaths to 9,947. Within the last week, Michigan has twice broken its daily number of deaths. Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she would extend the pause order until December 20th so health officials can determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID. The pause order halts in-door dining at restaurants and bars, suspends in-person lessons at high schools and colleges, closes workplaces that can work remotely, suspends non-professional organized sports, and closes in-door recreation and entertainment. Hospitals, doctors, and nurses all urged Governor Whitmer to take this action as hospitals throughout Michigan continue to fill up with COVID patients. This morning, we received good news from the FDA on their review if the Pfizer COVID vaccine. In review of the Pfizer vaccine, the FDA has found that the vaccination has shown effectiveness in recipients regardless of race, weight, or age. This is a critical finding since COVID has disproportionately impacted communities of color, obese, and older Americans. In Congress this week, we continue working on a number of critical issues before the end of the year, including funding the government and negotiating additional COVID relief for struggling families and small businesses. Today, the House will vote on the National Defense Authorization bill, which funds a number of key defense agencies and pay for American troops, among other things. Trump has threatened to veto the defense bill because it does not include an unrelated repeal of legal protections for social media companies. Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate have told the President his last-minute demand to include this completely unrelated provision to the bill is unacceptable, and vetoing this essential legislation puts our country at risk and unfairly punishes U.S. service members. It is important if you have symptoms or think you have been exposed, that you be tested. If you think you have been exposed, it is also 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. ACCESS and the Dearborn Pharmacy and Apothecary are offering free COVID-19 testing today. More information on each location can be found below. 1. ACCESS Community Health and Research Center (6450 Maple Street, Dearborn) will offer free mobile COVID 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. 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.
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