Thought of the day: "Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us." - Pope Francis
Coronavirus Update
On Monday, Michigan reported 7,205 new cases and 90 new deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the state’s total cases to 437,985and deaths to 10,752. Yesterday, the U.S. broke 300,000 deaths from the deadly virus, significantly more than any other country in the world.
Yesterday, was an emotional day, seeing the first COVID vaccines leave Pfizer here in Michigan and the frontline workers get vaccinated. After 9 months of this crisis, we have this vaccine is offering us hope. The first delivery of vaccinations will go to frontline workers and long-term care residents. As states work hard to quickly vaccinate Americans, we have got to continue masking up, keeping our physical distance, and washing our hands.
This morning, the Food and Drug Administration's vaccine advisory panel formally recommended the FDA issue emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. If emergency use is granted, Moderna will become the second drug manufacturer to begin distributing COVID vaccines in the US.
The University of Michigan brought together specialists to discuss COVID-19 vaccine news and answer your questions. Click below to view the informational video and get your questions answered!
Congressional leadership continues to negotiate additional COVID relief for individuals, families, and small businesses. Most support passed by Congress at the beginning of this pandemic, like enhanced unemployment assistance, paid sick leave, and eviction moratoriums are set to expire at the end of this year. Passing additional relief for Americans is not optional, it must be done. Americans need it and they're demanding it. It's our job to get this done, and I will stay in DC until we have a deal.
Open Enrollment Ends TODAY
Open enrollment for comprehensive health care coverage end TODAY, December 15, 2020. If you need to enroll in comprehensive coverage, choose a plan that better meets your needs, or renew your current coverage for 2021, visit HealthCare.gov today and find the right plan for you. If you have questions about enrolling in comprehensive health care coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace hotline at 1-800-318-2596. For assistance choosing the right plan for you, visit localhelp.healthcare.gov, to find a local ACA Navigator.
The State of Michigan has launched a statewide COVID testing site locator. This tool will help Michiganders search for cost-free testing sites near them. If you or someone you know may have been exposed to COVID, it is important you get tested.
Additional COVID testing sites are announced regularly and this list may not be exhaustive.
ACCESS Community Health and Research Center (6450 Maple Street, Dearborn) offers 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.
Be safe, Michigan! Wear your mask, keep your physical distance, and wash those hands!
Sincerely,
Debbie Dingell
Member of Congress
P.S. You can share a story or contact me anytime about health care or other issues through my website. You can also receive real-time updates by following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
