The COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to prevent its spread are decimating local budgets nationwide, and lack of support from the federal government would mean mass layoffs and economic slowdown, a Michigan mayor told U.S. lawmakers this week.
In testimony to the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett - who also serves as president of the U.S Conference of Mayors - said his community is facing the same financial issues local and state governments around the country are experiencing.
Major losses in revenue directly correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain on every municipal budget, regardless of size, financial history or partisan affiliation, he said.
“What we’re experiencing across our country is not a big city problem, it’s an every city problem,” he said.
Michigan announced 607 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, May 29, which was the largest one-day increase in more than a week. The state also reported 34 new deaths linked to COVID-19, pushing the state’s death toll to 5,406 of the 56,621 known cases of the infectious respiratory virus in Michigan.
Wayne and Jackson counties and the Department of Corrections reported the largest daily increases. Kent County, which has been a hot county for cases of late, has seen them trend downward and local health leaders believe the peak may have passed.
Below is a look at more of the most recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis in Michigan:
Michigan doctors and dentists sidelined by coronavirus crisis are back in business, with a new normal
When a dental bridge fell out of his mouth in mid-March, Bob Swicker was left without five front teeth and no way to get it immediately fixed.
Swicker was switching to another dentist after his long-time dentist had retired. But the process stalled with the statewide shutdown of dental offices forced by the coronavirus crisis.
So Swicker, a 75-year-old Bloomingdale resident, has been living without front teeth for the past two months. He’s not in pain, he says, but it is hard to eat properly.
Relief is now in sight for Swicker and thousands of Michigan residents who haven’t been able to obtain timely health care because of the pandemic: As of Friday, May 29, Michigan hospitals as well as doctor, dental and veterinary offices once again can provide the full range of services, with the lifting of restrictions put in place March 21 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Anti-Whitmer group cancels rally at Michigan Capitol, condemns George Floyd police riots in Minneapolis
Michigan United for Liberty, a group with the stated goal of ending Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “unconstitutional lockdown orders,” canceled a planned Sunday rally at the Michigan Capitol Saturday.
“The decision was immediately made when the (Michigan United for Liberty) was informed that another group of demonstrators plans to descend on the Capitol that same day, ostensibly to protest the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin,” the group said in a press statement Friday afternoon.
Owosso barber asks Michigan Supreme Court to let him keep cutting hair
The 77-year-old Owosso barber who’s defying Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders is looking for help from the Michigan Supreme Court.
Attorneys for Karl Manke filed an appeal to the state’s highest court, asking the justices to invalidate a state Court of Appeals decision this week. The split decision ordered a local judge to issue a preliminary injunction that would immediately shut down his business.
Commission second-guesses AG Nessel, wants another opinion on authority to ban guns at Michigan Capitol
A commission tasked with determining whether guns should be banned at the Michigan Capitol isn’t sure it has that authority.
While Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a letter to the Michigan Capitol Commission on May 8 stating the body not only has the authority to ban guns at the Capitol but the obligation, the commission’s in-house legal counsel, attorney Amy Shaw, disagreed.
Due to the conflict, the Michigan Capitol Commission voted Friday to hire Gary P. Gordon of the Dykema law firm to provide a third opinion, including analysis of the scope of the commission’s power, the cost of implementing a gun ban and the possible legal outcomes.
Michigan launches web portal allowing employees, employers to track coronavirus symptoms
As employers across the state continue to reopen their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, a newly launched tool is available to help employees and businesses track possible spread at their facilities.
The web application is free and available to all Michigan residents starting Friday. It allows users to enter their symptoms into the portal which will then tell them and their employers if the symptoms are severe enough to seek medical attention, if they should not leave the house and more. It also provides employees a dedicated tool that allows them to inform their employer if they should not be at work.
Gov. Whitmer’s plan to reopen Michigan keeps residents in the dark with murky targets and limited transparency
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to reopen public spaces and workplaces lacks clear targets and benchmarks included in plans released by neighboring states.
Michigan joined a seven-state coalition to coordinate the reopening of the Midwest regional economy last month, though each state is taking its own unique approach to lifting restrictions on businesses and social gatherings.
Like other governors, Whitmer has regularly pledged to base her decisions on “the best science” and public health data, much of which has been made publicly available, but Michigan residents remain in the dark about what criteria must be met to move the state forward.
University of Michigan leaders now ‘very optimistic’ for in-person fall semester
University of Michigan leaders have moved from being cautiously optimistic” to “very optimistic” that the university will have in-person classes in the fall semester.
While a decision isn’t expected until late June, in an online session with faculty and staff on Thursday, May 28, UM President Mark Schlissel, Interim Provost Susan Collins and Interim Vice President for Student Life Simone Himbeault Taylor updated more than 6,000 employees on issues including the fall semester, finances, UM’s endowment and how diversity, equity and inclusion might be affected.
Guests return to Binder Park Zoo with precautions amid coronavirus pandemic
Parents and their children lined the entrance during Binder Park Zoo’s reopening Friday. Some wore masks, while others chose not to.
Families had a chance to alleviate their cabin fever as the zoo welcomed back guests as part of a “soft opening."
The zoo near Battle Creek, which typically opens for the season in April, was prevented from doing so by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order issued in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan.
Flint Assembly among GM truck plants moving to three shifts starting next week
General Motors is speeding up vehicle production at some of its North American plants, including Flint Assembly, starting Monday, June 1.
GM said the restart of vehicle production during the COVID-19 pandemic "has gone smoothly thanks to strong teamwork. Our comprehensive safety procedures are working well, and our suppliers have done a great job implementing their return-to-work strategies and safety playbooks.
New workplace safety website helps businesses reopen safely during pandemic
Michigan’s workplace safety arm has created a one-stop shop to help businesses prepare to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, May 29, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched its new online COVID-19 workplace safety website, which provides guidance and resources to keep workplaces safe as sectors of the state’s economy reopen.
The site includes MIOSHA-issued guidelines, posters for employees and customers, fact sheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist.
Mass coronavirus testing in nursing homes may lead to spike in Muskegon County cases
Although the number of coronavirus cases has plateaued in Muskegon County this week, the county may see a spike in cases next week as a result of ongoing mass testing efforts in the county’s long-term care facilities.
The Michigan National Guard stepped in to help test all eight of Muskegon County’s long-term care facilities over the past week, testing over 1,000 residents and staff at those facilities, Muskegon County Public Health Director Kathy Moore told MLive.
Preliminary state data shows testing confirmed 42 COVID-19 cases in Muskegon County long-term care facilities. Of those, 39 are at SKLD Knollview, 1061 W. Hackley Ave., the data shows.
Drive-In theatre in Dearborn closed again hours after opening during coronavirus pandemic
After briefly reopening to the public after midnight the Ford-Wyoming Drive-In Theatre in Dearborn was served a cease-and-desist order by local enforcement.
The theatre, which anticipating Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders to expire at 11:59 p.m. on May 28, planned on showtimes starting moments later at 12:05 a.m. on Friday, May 29.
A post on Facebook explained the situation, thanked patrons and explained plans to reopen in the future.
Great Lakes cruise line cancels all 2020 sailings, affecting 7 Michigan ports
A big player in Great Lakes cruising has canceled its 2020 season.
Victory Cruise Lines offers four Great Lakes itineraries that include multiple stops in Michigan, from Detroit to Mackinac Island to Muskegon. The cancellation is one more blow to Michigan’s tourism industry amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The decision to cancel comes amid prolonged governmental restrictions related to the pandemic, including uncertainties of travel through Canadian waters, the company said.
Use this calculator to see how big your second stimulus payment could be
A second round of stimulus payments to Americans is being considered.
This potential second stimulus package of 2020, known as the HEROES Act, is in response to the swift and steep economic downturn related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that triggered statewide stay-home orders across the country.
As written, the HEROES Act would send up to $6,000 to some families. The bill was approved by the Democratic-led House two weeks ago. It has not yet been taken up by the Republican-led Senate. However, President Donald Trump has indicated support for a second stimulus package to help Americans who are hurting financially.
Midland hosting free mass COVID-19 testing clinic for people with or without symptoms
A free COVID-19 testing clinic happening in Midland this weekend is open to residents, with or without symptoms.
The Midland County Department of Public Health is hosting the clinic in conjunction with the Michigan National Guard, Michigan State Police, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services “due to ongoing impacts from the recent flooding event in Midland County." Dam failures and severe flooding in Midland County and surrounding areas last week displaced thousands of people and damaged or destroyed infrastructure and homes.
You do not have to have COVID-19 symptoms to be tested at this free clinic.
Michigan Lottery players waiting to be paid out nearly $20M in jackpot prizes as state offices remain closed
While casinos, theaters, gyms and other places of public entertainment have been closed since March due to Gov. Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, the state-operate lottery has been allowed to continue selling tickets and operating nightly drawings.
However, players who won prizes of $50,001 or more have been unable to claim their prizes, despite assurances from the lottery that big winners would be able to schedule appointments to do so. The Lottery estimates 40 players have reached out to claim their prize of $50,001 or more, with just under $20 million in prizes waiting to be distributed.
Ann Arbor reopens canoe, kayak liveries on Huron River with coronavirus precautions
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Ann Arbor is reopening its canoe and kayak liveries, but with some new safety precautions.
The city announced the reopening of the Argo and Gallup liveries on the Huron River Friday morning, May 29, as boating is allowed under the governor’s executive orders.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, there are some new procedures and limited offerings for the popular river attractions, which usually draw large weekend crowds.
Oakland, Wayne, Macomb counties close all public pools
All public pools in Macomb, Wayne and Oakland, including pools in the city of Detroit, were ordered closed under a joint order was issued at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.
FOX-2 Detroit reports the joint orders are issued under the Michigan Public Health Code to safeguard Southeast Michigan residents from the possible spread of the COVID-19. Pool operators will be required to continue scheduled maintenance.
Grand Rapids estimates spending $37M on coronavirus response through year end
By the end of the year, municipalities in Kent County say they expect to spend a combined $41.16 million responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 90 percent of that, or $37.27 million, is projected to come from Grand Rapids expenses.
Grand Rapids and other municipalities recently outlined their current and expected pandemic response related expenditures at the request of Kent County, which is navigating the distribution of $114 million in federal CARES Act dollars on government expenses and community investments.
More Michigan coronavirus coverage, here
PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.