As claims skyrocket, unemployment agency gives update, asks for patience
March 25th, 20200 LANSING — The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) today acknowledged the high call volumes and increased traffic on its claims website, as an unprecedented number of people take part in the state's expanded unemployment compensation program in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. In a press statement, the agency said that...
Cease and desist letter sent to businesses for selling phony COVID-19 protection patch
March 24th, 20200 LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel this morning sent a cease and desist letter to two related Rockford-based businesses for marketing to consumers the “Coronavirus Defender Patch”, which the companies falsely claim will help protect people from contracting the coronavirus disease 2019...
Secretary of State to mail absent voter ballot applications to all May 5 voters
March 24th, 20200 LANSING — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced today that absent voter ballot applications will be mailed by her office to all voters in the May 5 election to help ensure both public health and democratic rights are protected. “Our country has a long history of carrying out elections in times of crisis, and we are...
A further look into how Whitmer’s executive order affects driving and travel
March 23rd, 20200 DEARBORN — Since the announcement of Monday's executive order by Governor Whitmer, dubbed "Stay Home, Stay Safe", Michigan residents have questioned how much the new rules restrict their travel on the road during the COVID-19 outbreak in their state. Lets take a look at travel and driving components of the order to clarify what the...
State orders activities be “essential” during COVID-19 outbreak, not a complete shut-down
March 23rd, 20200 LANSING — On Monday, Governor Whitmer addressed the state to elaborate on her government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Though she emphasized the serious nature of the pandemic, her latest “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order seems to be an extension of the state’s response from last week. This is in no way a complete,...
Governor Whitmer signs “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order
March 23rd, 20200 LANSING — On Monday, Governor Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part...
Whitmer emphasizes need for more test kits as FDA approves California company’s latest version
March 22nd, 20200 FLINT — Governor Whitmer has called for more test kits from the federal government as presumptive positive cases of the coronavirus reached the 1,000 mark in Michigan. “We need the federal government to get us those test kits,” Whitmer said, according to WJRT Flint. “We need PPE, as Phil was just saying; we need (a) clear...
As new COVID-19 cases emerge, consider donating much needed supplies to health-care providers
March 21st, 20200 DEARBORN — On Saturday afternoon, the state of Michigan once again revealed its latest tallies of coronavirus infections. As of 2 p.m., the state has announced a total of 787 confirmed cases and five total deaths. With the expansion of testing capabilities, health experts are now beginning to understand the scope of the outbreak in...
Travel restricted at ports of entry, Whitmer clears up rumors about martial law
March 21st, 20200 DETROIT - On Friday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency provided details on travel restrictions being placed on all land ports of entry and ferries between the U.S. and Canada in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, rules which went into effect at midnight the same day. Besides the Detroit port of entry, the new...
Beaumont Health launches free online coronavirus risk assessment tool
March 20th, 20200 ROYAL OAK, MI — Beaumont Health launched a free online COVID-19 risk assessment tool on Wednesday, which allows patients to answer a series of questions about their symptoms and help them determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention. The free tool can be accessed at www.beaumont.org/coronavirus. After answering a...
Oakland County executive gives updates on COVID-19 response
March 19th, 20200 WATERFORD TOWNSHIP — News of the second coronavirus related death came Thursday morning, as a woman, more than 50-years of age and with underlying conditions, reportedly passed away at McLaren Hospital in Pontiac. The county later confirmed with The Arab American News that the woman was in fact a Wayne County resident. This means...
Two new coronavirus-related deaths at Michigan hospitals
March 19th, 20200 MICHIGAN — Hospitals in two separate counties in Michigan have reported two more COVID-19 related deaths on Thursday. McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac and Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit both reported the passing of patients more than 50-years-of-age with underlying conditions who died after contracting the virus. Henry...
Officials announce up to 110 COVID-19 cases in Michigan
March 18th, 20200 LANSING — At a news conference in Lansing on Wednesday, state officials announced 30 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, bringing the total up to 110. Governor Whitmer was joined by the state's chief medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khladun, who spoke of the number of new cases across the state. "As of last night, Michigan...
Superintendent gives good news on DPS staff member who tested positive for COVID-19
March 18th, 20200 Dearborn — On Wednesday, Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko updated the community on the status of a staff member from Whitmore-Bolles elementary school who earlier tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Here is the entire entry on Maleyko's blog: "I want to report that the staff member who tested...
State provides guidance to employers contemplating potential layoffs
March 18th, 20200 LANSING — The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity today provided guidance to Michigan employers on how to avoid potential layoffs related to COVID-19. “We know that many families and businesses are and will experience economic pain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said LEO Director Jeff Donofrio. “Through......
First COVID-19 related death reported in Michigan
March 18th, 20200 DEARBORN — A Beaumont Health patient, a man in his 50s who tested positive for COVID-19 and had other underlying medical conditions, passed away early this morning at a Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County. “Our medical team went to extraordinary efforts to care for this patient and we are deeply saddened by his passing and...
Two coronavirus cases reported in Dearborn as Michigan’s overall total reaches 65
March 17th, 20200 LANSING — The total number of coronavirus cases in Michigan has reached 65, according to new numbers released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The number is up 11 from the 54 cases revealed on Monday evening. Out of the 11 new cases, two are in Detroit, two are in Macomb County and two are in Oakland County,......
Dearborn Administrative Center to close to public Wednesday, March 18; non-essential services suspended
March 17th, 20200 DEARBORN — Due to increasing concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Dearborn Administrative Center (DAC) will close to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18 until further notice. Residents will still be able to attend public meetings in-person at the DAC, but are encouraged to be proactive with health guidelines and practice...
Beaumont Health Lab now processing a limited number of COVID-19 tests
March 17th, 20200 Health system COVID-19 hotline staff expanded to meet demand Beaumont Health has started processing a limited number of COVID-19 tests in its own laboratory. On-site processing allows doctors to have results in hours instead of days. “We’re proud to have developed a mechanism to process tests within our health system,” said...
Dingell and Tlaib join teleconference to discuss important coronavirus legislation
March 16th, 20200 DETROIT — On Monday, Michigan United (MU), a Michigan based advocacy non-profit, organized a teleconference with community leaders from the state to discuss responses, legislation and outcomes relating to the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The teleconference featured critical information about current bills and future legislation in...
Whitmer orders temporary prohibition on large assemblages and events over 50 people
March 16th, 20200 LANSING - On Monday, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-11, to prohibit all events over 50 people or assemblages in shared indoor spaces over 50 people beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00am. The order overrides limits set in an earlier order which put a stop on gatherings over 250 people. Executive Order......
Trump urges Americans to avoid traveling, public gatherings to help stop coronavirus
March 16th, 20200 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans have been urged by President Trump to avoid traveling and gathering in public spaces in an effort to put a stop to the spread of the coronavirus. Trump said the outbreak could last into July or August, although a national health expert clarified his estimate was just one possible trajectory and it could...
Governor expands unemployment benefits for Michigan workers during outbreak
March 16th, 20200 LANSING - On Monday, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-10 to temporarily expand eligibility for unemployment benefits. This executive order is effective immediately and until Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59pm. Under the governor’s order, unemployment benefits would be extended to: Workers who have an......
Gov. Whitmer signs executive order temporarily closing bars, theaters, casinos and other public spaces
March 16th, 20200 LANSING - Today, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-9, which temporarily closes theaters, bars, and casinos, and limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders. Under Executive Order 2020-9, effective Monday, March 16 at 3:00pm, the following places of public accommodation will be closed; restaurants, cafes,...
Michigan announces 12 more coronavirus cases, total now at 45
March 15th, 20200 Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at a press conference on Sunday, during which the state of Michigan announced 12 additional presumptive, positive cases of coronavirus/COVID-19. The new cases bring the state's total number of positive cases to 45. Specimens will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for......
