COVID-19 February Updates

POAM is sharing the latest COVID-19 February updates affecting our great state of Michigan. We will consistently update this post as additional updates come in.

This information is from the Michigan Executive Office of the Governor’s email newsletter.

Monday, February 1, 2021 Update

Vaccine Update

The state of Michigan has administered 909,038 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, with 38,954 being administered on January 28. Every COVID-19 vaccine allocated to Michigan has either been administered or is scheduled to be administered via appointment.

To view the total distribution of vaccines and more vaccine information, visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine to view the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.

On Friday, the Protect Michigan Commission hosted its first meeting and unveiled Michigan’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy. The commission, created by Governor Whitmer, is comprised of a diverse group of leaders from across the state. They are charged with helping raise awareness about the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

“The work of the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission will help Michigan reach its goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day and help ensure all Michiganders have a plan to get their vaccine once it is their turn,” said Governor Whitmer. “The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is our way forward out of this pandemic and will allow us to return to a sense of normalcy and a strong Michigan economy.”

“As we work to ensure that every Michigander who wants a vaccine will get one, the Protect Michigan Commission will play a vital role in reaching out to Michiganders in every part of our state,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “The best thing we can do right now is to work together to ensure that Michiganders, especially those with questions and those hardest hit during the pandemic, have a plan to get vaccinated. Our clearest path to healthy communities, a growing economy, and day-to-day activities free from fear is through the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The strategy outlines how the commission will move the state towards completing the governor’s goal of getting 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as possible. Below are the guiding principles outlined under the plan:

  • All Michiganders have equitable access to vaccines.
  • Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive and actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
  • Communications are transparent, accurate, and frequent public communications to build public trust.
  • Data is used to promote equity, track progress, and guide decision making.
  • Resource stewardship, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement drive strategic implementation.

In Case You Missed It

  • Research from the University of Michigan has shown that the measures taken by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS) to save lives over the holiday’s worked. The “Pause to Save Lives” Epidemic Order has likely prevented more than 100,000 Cases of COVID-19 and as a result, saved 2,800 lives.
  • Over the weekend, the governor announced the appointments to the State Officers Compensation Commission.
  • MDHHS announced 1,358 cases of COVID-19 from Saturday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 559,241.

Happening Across State Government
  • The state of Michigan is announced on Friday that they are expanding on the new MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program. The program, directed by the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), will help make restaurants operate more safely – for their workforce, diners, and local communities – and help diners identify restaurants committed to safer operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants are encouraged to have their HVAC system inspected to ensure effective ventilation. Proper and efficient HVAC systems or other ventilation changes, along with compliance with MDHHS and MIOSHA orders and guidance, can lower the probability of transmission in indoor settings.
  • The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced they are now accepting applications for its latest round of value-added and regional food systems grants. The Value-Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Program is designed to help retain, expand, attract, or develop agricultural processing in Michigan through targeted investments in technology and equipment, feasibility studies, healthy food access, regional food systems, and urban agriculture. Grant proposals must be received by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on March 18, 2021.
February UPDATES: RESOURCES

If you have any questions or concerns, please visit one of these resource links below:

STAY ALERT

Please use this post as an informative guide for the COVID-19 February updates. Share with others through text messages, social media, and email.

Related Post: January Updates – Michigan Legislative Consultants’ COVID-19 Newsletter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *