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On Monday, Michigan reported 1,265 new cases of COVID-19 and 8 new deaths, bringing the state’s total cases to 575,489 and deaths to 15,158. Michigan’s COVID numbers continue to trend in a hopeful direction, with a current positivity rate is 4.5%. Governor Whitmer’s science-based actions have been effective in mitigating the spread of COVID. As our health care professionals continue working to vaccinate Michiganders, we have got to stay committed to following the CDC’s guidelines, by wearing a mask (two is better than one, according to the CDC), keeping our physical distance, and washing our hands.
The UK COVID variant is threatening to potentially reverse the recent declines in case numbers since the state’s peak at the end of November. Yesterday, Michigan reported at least 67 confirmed cases of the more contagious variant, with two-thirds of those in Washtenaw County. As COVID variations spread, we all need to be even more vigilant and careful.
On Monday, Michigan reported 2,294,775 COVID vaccines have been distributed and, of that, 1,634,609 vaccines have been administered. With the Biden Administration expanding vaccine distribution to 41 qualified health centers throughout Michigan, Michiganders now have more options available to receive one of the life-saving vaccines. Michiganders may visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine for the most up-to-date information on vaccine eligibility, safety information, and clinic locations. Residents without or with limited access to the internet, or have difficulty accessing the information online, can call the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
President Biden is working to improve the distribution and volume of vaccines being delivered to states. Much work still needs to be done as many Americans continue to experience difficulties in getting a vaccine, even when eligible, and health centers are forced to cancel appointments due to shortages.
On Thursday, President Biden will travel to Michigan to meet with workers at Pfizer as the Administration continues work to increase the supply and availability of vaccines. Last week, the Biden Administration secured a deal with Pfizer and Moderna for an additional 100 million doses of each of their vaccines. There’s no time to waste. We must do everything we can to address vaccine shortages and quickly get shots into the arms of as many as possible.
Local pharmacies like Meijer and Rite Aid have launched webpages to provide the most up-to-date information on their vaccination plans, including options for eligible Michiganders to pre-register and schedule appointments for COVID vaccines online or by phone.
Michigan continues to prioritize vaccines for those 65 and older, front-line workers, some state and federal workers, jail and prison staff, Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, and childcare providers.
To pre-register with a Meijer Pharmacy, visit their online pre-registration form or text “COVID” to 75049 or call your local Meijer Pharmacy. Visit Meijer Pharmacy’s COVID vaccination webpage for more information.
To check your eligibility and schedule a COVID vaccine appointment with Rite Aid, visit their COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler.
In the midst of a global health care crisis, having comprehensive health care coverage has never been more important. With this in mind, President Biden has announced An ACA Special Enrollment Period, empowering Americans without adequate health care coverage to shop for a plan that meets their needs at HealthCare.gov.
ACCESS Community Health & Research Center is providing free, independent assistance during the Special Enrollment Period to residents needing help enrolling in the right plan for their needs.
President Biden has also taken action to extend the COVID-19 forbearance and foreclosure protections for homeowners through Jun 30, 2021. The President’s order places a moratorium on federally guaranteed mortgage foreclosures through June 30; extends the mortgage payment forbearance enrollment window for borrowers through June 30; and provides up to six months of additional mortgage payment forbearance, in three-month increments, for borrowers who entered forbearance on or before June 30, 2021.
Work continues this week in Congress to speed desperately needed aid to individuals, families, and small businesses, with House committees of jurisdiction continuing to work on President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The President’s recovery plan includes funds to expand COVID-19 vaccinations, scale up testing, provide support to small businesses, aid schools in safely reopening, expand and improve critical Home- and Community-Based Services, extend assistance for the unemployed, deliver $1,400 survival checks to most Americans, and much more.
The urgency to pass this critical legislation has never been clearer. States are facing budget shortfalls, employment for women has hit a 33-year low, and COVID variants have begun to spread in our communities. We must act with the urgency this moment demands and get this bill signed into law by March.
Last month, along with 77 of our colleagues, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) and I introduced a measure that would create a $1.5 billion fund for local communities to assist with paying water bills for low-income residents. This legislation, supported by nearly 100 organizations, would require all cities and counties to reconnect service and impose a shutoff moratorium to receive federal funding. These requirements will not only help residents and local governments in the short term by providing access to water and funding to assist our front-line communities; they will also provide long-term solutions that will ensure everyone permanently has access to clean, affordable water.
This week, Congresswoman Tlaib and I called for immediate action on this legislation to treat access to clean water, especially in the midst of a global health crisis, what it is – a basic human right. Every person deserves the right of access to safe, clean water no matter their financial status.
| COVID-19 Vaccine Information |
Michigan is busy at work distributing and administering COVID vaccines. More information can be found by following the links below.
Washtenaw County Vaccine Information
Wayne County Vaccine Information
Local pharmacies like Meijer and Rite Aid have launched webpages to provide the most up-to-date information on their vaccination plans, including options for eligible Michiganders to pre-register and schedule appointments for COVID vaccines.
Michigan continues to prioritize vaccines for those 65 and older, front-line workers, some state and federal workers, jail and prison staff, Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, and childcare providers.
To pre-register with a Meijer Pharmacy, visit their online pre-registration form or text “COVID” to 75049 or call your local Meijer Pharmacy. Visit Meijer Pharmacy’s COVID vaccination webpage for more information.
To check your eligibility and schedule a COVID vaccine appointment with Rite Aid, visit their COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler.
| MI-12 COVID Testing Sites |
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 COVID testing. Call 313-216-2230 for more information on testing at ACCESS.
The 2|42 Community Church in Ann Arbor (648 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor) is offering contactless drive-thru only saliva testing. Those needing to be tested can view testing hours and pre-register here: lynxdx.health/register
Opinion: Water is a human right. It’s time we start treating it as one. – Washington Post
Pelosi says there will be a 9/11 Commission-style panel to examine Jan. 6 Capitol riot – Washington Post
Covid-Linked Syndrome in Children Is Growing and Cases Are More Severe –New York Times
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