COVID-19 January Updates
POAM is sharing the latest COVID-19 January 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, January 25, 2021 Update
Vaccine Update
The state of Michigan has administered 642,111 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, with 34,621 being administered on January 21. 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.
Working to Quickly Distribute Vaccines
The state is working around the clock to ensure we distribute and administer the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible. Vaccination is our path back to normal life and a strong economy. Learn more about the process for getting vaccinated on this page.
In Case You Missed It
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced changes to MDHHS’s epidemic order to allow for indoor dining at restaurants with certain requirements; concessions at casinos, movie theaters, and stadiums; personal services requiring mask removal; and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households starting February 1. The new order will last three weeks, until Sunday, Feb. 21.
“The pause has worked. The efforts we have made together to protect our families, frontline workers and hospitals have dramatically reduced cases and we have saved lives. Now, we are confident that starting February 1, restaurants can resume indoor dining with safety measures in place,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Michigan continues to be a national leader in fighting this virus, and we must continue working to keep it that way. One of the most important things Michiganders can do is to make a plan to get a safe and effective vaccine when it’s available to you. And as always, mask up and maintain six feet of social distancing. We will end this pandemic together.”
New Cases
MDHHS announced 1,610 cases of COVID-19 from Saturday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 548,069.
Happening Across State Government
- Over the weekend, MDHHS emphasizing the importance of COVID-19 testing with additional cases of the variant B.1.1.7 detected in a Wayne County resident and among people associated with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“The new variant is present in Michigan and we are at risk of seeing more spread of COVID-19. Everyone should do their part to end this pandemic. Get tested if you have been exposed, have symptoms, or have recently traveled to an area with a new variant spreading,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “Make sure you are following all quarantine and isolation guidance. And do your part to prevent the spread of this virus by continuing to wear your mask, avoid gatherings, socially distance, and washing your hands.”
- The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has worked hard to provide more opportunities for unrepresented groups, including women. Read more about the work they are doing to lift up women across the state here.
Thursday, January 7, 2021 Update
New Phase for Vaccinations
Yesterday, Governor Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials announced the state is moving to a new phase of vaccination.
“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” said Governor Whitmer. “I urge all seniors to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and that all Michiganders to make a plan to get vaccinated when it becomes available to you. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person. We will eliminate this virus together.”
MDHHS also announced they are moving forward with vaccination of Michiganders age 65 and older; frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff; and PreK-12 teachers and childcare providers. To date, 80% of deaths have occurred among those aged 65 and older. In addition to vaccinating Michiganders who are 75+ in Phase 1B (Phase 1B, Group A), MDHHS is accelerating to vaccinate individuals 65-74 years old (Phase 1C Group A). MDHHS is accelerating the implementation of vaccination of individuals 65-74 years due to concern around disparity in life expectancy by race/ethnicity for this group (Phase 1C, Group A).
National Unity
Governor Whitmer and former Governor Rick Snyder joined one another yesterday in calling for national unity.
“What is unfolding today in our nation’s capital is truly appalling. Violence, vandalism, and insurrection have no place in this great country of ours. We are a nation of laws, not mobs,” Whitmer said.
“While we come from different backgrounds and political parties, Governor Whitmer and I share a deep love for our country,” Snyder said. “We must always remember that we are Americans first, and we are not one another’s enemy. That’s why I join with Governor Whitmer in calling on people of goodwill across America to pray for peace, calm, and healing.”
“Now is the time to put this election behind us once and for all,” Whitmer added. “We must unify as one nation to defeat our real enemy, which is the pandemic that has taken far too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. As Americans, there is no problem we can’t solve, and no challenge we can’t meet. Let’s all stay safe. Let’s take care of each other. And let’s move forward together, as one United States of America.”
Governor’s Response
The governor also released the following video following the insurrection at the United States Capitol yesterday.
New Cases
MDHHS announced 4,326 cases of COVID-19 from yesterday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 508,736.
Happening Across State Government
- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is celebrating their 100th anniversary of serving Michigan and helping Michiganders enjoy our great outdoors.
- The Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity shared Sean Egan, Michigan’s COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director, hosted a webinar to talk with businesses across the state about HVAC financing, rebates, and energy reduction tactics.
January Updates: Resources
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit one of these resource links below:
- State of Michigan Coronavirus Updates
- About COVID-19
- COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-535-6136
STAY ALERT
Please use this post as an informative guide for the COVID-19 January updates. Share with others through text messages, social media, and email.
Related Post: January Updates – Michigan Legislative Consultants’ COVID-19 Newsletter
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