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| Chapter member LTC. (Retired) Chuck Kettles receved the Medal of Honor - July 2016 |
| LTC Charles S. Kettles (ret) Passed Away On January 21, 2019. Rest In Peace My Friend, Rest In Peace....... |
Tim Driscoll
There are several advisories posted. Scroll to read all. Thank you.
The updates posted here are either from The Veterans Affairs, Mlive or Washtenaw County.
To go online and check your status on the stimilus check, click here.
LANSING, MI 05/21/2020 -- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Thursday morning lifting some restrictions on business and social activity.
Gatherings of 10 people or less are now permitted, starting immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing, the governor’s office announced.
Starting Friday, May 29, health care providers can perform nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures, and starting Tuesday, May 26, retail businesses and auto dealerships across the state will be allowed to operate via appointment only. Retail businesses and auto showrooms are limited to 10 people inside at a time.
“The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy, but we must stay vigilant and ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a news release. “On behalf of our brave first responders on the front lines of this crisis, we must continue to all do our part by staying safer at home. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
The signing of Executive Order 2020-96 comes three days after Whitmer announced all restaurants and shops in the Upper Peninsula and in several counties in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula will be allowed to reopen starting Friday.
Thursday’s order means many will be able to gather for the Memorial Day holiday, which didn’t appear likely when the stay-home order was extended until May 28. As daily coronavirus case numbers and deaths continue to drop, the state has begun relaxing some restrictions.
Still, officials remind shoppers and business owners to use caution and for those gathering socially to practice proper distancing. They also remind medical providers to ensure the safety of their patients as they return to doctor’s offices across the state.
“As businesses continue to reopen, it’s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and their families,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun in a press release. “I know that as medical professionals begin offering nonessential procedures again, they will do everything in their power to protect patients and their families from COVID-19. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our partners across Michigan to protect our families and lower the chance of a second wave.”
The order allows for reopening outpatient health care facilities, including clinics, primary care physician offices, and dental offices. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue guidance to aid those medical facilities in adopting appropriate safeguards, the state said.
“With today’s announcement, physicians and health care providers in Michigan are ready to resume taking care of patients,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society, in a press release. “It is time for patients to catch up on the care that has been deferred for the past two months. We encourage the citizens of Michigan to tend to their health and protect each other by following public health guidance to prevent spread of this virus."
Bars, restaurants, salons, barbers and other industries not specifically mentioned in the order will not be permitted to open under the latest order.
“Things that were not included in the list today are not included in the list today,” Whitmer said during Thursday’s press conference when asked about those businesses. “What we know is that this virus is still very present in the vast majority of our state. And so, we are asking people to be really smart as we take these steps so we don’t have to take a step backwards, we can keep moving forward.”
The order requires all businesses to follow the state’s guidelines for protecting workers and customers. That includes providing COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, proper use of personal protective equipment, steps workers must take to notify the business of any symptoms of COVID-19 or any suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
Customers will be expected to comply with the state’s order to wear masks in confined public spaces if they can medical
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05/20/2020 - From Washtenaw County Sherriff Delpt.
ONGOING TESTING
- Drive-up and walk-up testing is available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Perry Early Learning Center, 550 Perry Street, Ypsilanti Township. No appointments, insurance, or prescription needed. But please bring your insurance card if you have one. Anyone with symptoms* can get tested. Supported by Packard Health and in partnership with Ypsilanti Community Schools.
- Drive-up and walk-up testing is available Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ford Elementary School, 2440 E Clark Road, Ypsilanti Township. Interested individuals can determine eligibility and schedule a test at KrogerHealth.com/covidtesting. Individuals with mild symptoms and essential workers still reporting to work in person, whether they have symptoms or not, can get tested.
POP-UP TESTING
With support from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Michigan Medicine and partnerships with community sites, testing will be provided on:
- Thursday, May 21, at the Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods Drive, Ann Arbor from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, May 24, at the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center, 7200 S. Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti Township from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Additional details can be found by visiting the Washtenaw County Public Health COVID-19 Testing Information page at https://www.washtenaw.org/3158/Testing
Our community COVID-19 testing posters for this week are now available in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, in addition to English and Spanish.
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LANSING, MI -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Thursday extending the state’s stay-at-home order until May 28, but says manufacturing across the state can resume on Monday, May 11.
Whitmer announced the order during a press conference Thursday where she addressed a phased approach to reopening the state economy and loosening restrictions on citizens.
“We know that even in this phase we are still safer at home. And that’s why we’ll be extending the order through the 28th, because we are still safer at home. While we can reengage in more things we’ve got to be smart about it,” Whitmer said during the press conference.
In order for manufacturing to resume, businesses must adopt measures to protect their workers from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Examples given by the state include conducting a daily entry screening protocol for workers and everyone else entering the facility, including a questionnaire covering symptoms and exposure to people with possible COVID-19, together with a temperature screening as soon as no-touch thermometers can be obtained. They must also create dedicated entry points at every facility, and suspend entry of all non-essential in-person visits, including tours, according to a press release from the state.
“Governor Whitmer has brought together leaders in business and labor to ensure our workers can return to the job safely. The safety of our workers is our top priority and I am confident that Michigan manufacturers are prepared to deliver on the worker protections included in today’s order,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association in a press release.
“We believe the manufacturing industry has a big role to play in Michigan’s economic recovery and we’re ready to lead the way. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the governor to bring the manufacturing industry back up to full strength.”
Whitmer said the state’s large auto manufacturers will reopen May 18.
The extension of the stay-at-home order means it is scheduled to end the same day as the state of emergency order.
Whitmer again explained the phased reopening of the economy as a dial that can be turned as needed to adapt to how the virus is spreading, rather than as an on and off switch. While she is encouraged that numbers are declining, Whitmer said there are some things that could cause the state to take a step back. She said data will continue to monitored and if the state sees a spike in cases that could overwhelm hospitals, they may have to scale back what is permitted under the orders.
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Michigan health officials are announcing 447 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 44 new deaths on Tuesday, May 5.
The daily numbers come with a few caveats, but weekly averages show an overall downward trend in cases and deaths.
In the last week, Michigan is averaging 734 new cases per day and 87.4 deaths per day. In the week prior, the state averaged 899 new cases per day and 123.9 deaths per day – that’s an 18.3% decrease in cases and 29.4% decrease in deaths.
A state software malfunction on Sunday, May 3, caused issues with reporting data for the following day. Instead of reporting numbers as of 10 a.m., Monday’s data included data on the system through 4 p.m. But because of a backlog, not everything was counted on Monday.
State officials have been reviewing death records every few days, and if a person who tested positive for the virus died, but wasn’t already on the coronavirus death list, they are added to it. This adjustment also increased death totals reported April 10, 16, 21, 23, 25 and 28 and May 2.
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LANSING, MI – Michigan residents will be required to wear face coverings upon entering a grocery store or pharmacy through May 30.
The requirement is part of an executive order signed Saturday, May 2 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer which extends existing safety measures to protect consumers and employees from spreading the coronavirus at grocery stores and pharmacies.
Along with ordering customers to wear face masks, the mandate also requires grocery stores and pharmacies to allocate at least two hours per week of shopping time for vulnerable populations until May 30.
The state defines vulnerable populations as those over the age of 60, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
RELATED: Whitmer orders shopping hours for vulnerable residents, masks for employees checking out customers
“We must continue protecting the health and safety of both consumers and employees at our grocery stores and pharmacies, which we rely on more than ever during this unprecedented public health crisis,” Whitmer said in a released statement. “Michigan has begun flattening the COVID-19 curve, but we must not take our progress for granted and continue taking aggressive action to avoid further spread of this deadly disease.”
We realize you may be dealing with difficulties during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to help.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
After the national emergency ends, we will resume debt collection activities.
- OTHER VA DEBT-RELATED EFFORTS
VA will not refer delinquent debts to credit reporting agencies during the crisis.
VA Home Loan applications will continue for Veterans with unresolved debt payment issues.
For help or to confirm whether this information applies to your VA benefit debt, contact the Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648.
WHAT ELSE WE’RE DOING
When possible, we’re moving in-person services to virtual platforms. We’re also granting extension requests for late-filed forms, when the extension request is based on COVID-19.
For assistance with benefit-related claim support, please contact 1-800-827-1000 or visit benefits.va.gov.
We’re working to find additional ways to serve you during this crisis. Please follow national and local guidelines to stay healthy and safe.
If you have...
New VA debt,
We will temporarily stop debt payment collections.
You don’t have to act.
Existing VA debt,
You can request a temporary collection suspension or an extended repayment plan. Call 1-800-827-0648
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EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS |
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Situation Update - VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System 03/26/2020 09:11 AM EDT The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Community Based Outpatient Clinics will be shifting operations to preserve resources and personal protective equipment. Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, our community clinics in Jackson and Flint, Toledo, OH, and the Green Road and Packard Road Clinics in Ann Arbor will be supplying triage and virtual care only. At these locations, routine appointments will be converted to virtual care, as appropriate. For Veterans in these affected areas who have questions about routine medical care, please contact 734-845-5290 (press 2). For those needing pharmacy refills, please call 866-316-9350 Ext. 1. For those needing to speak to a medical provider, please call 734-769-7100.
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Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
Address/Location
2201 Hogback Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Contact:
Emergency: 9-1-1
Health Department recommends cancellation of faith-based gatherings or in-person services of any kind
Statement from Washtenaw County Health Officer, Jimena Loveluck:
We are facing an unprecedented global, national and local public health emergency. I recognize that this is challenging time for us all, one filled with fear and anxiety about our well-being and that of our loved ones. Our religious community and houses of worship provide critical support and comfort during these difficult times. Nevertheless, I am asking all of us to do our part to protect the public’s health – that means your health, the health of your family and loved ones, and the health of our most vulnerable community members.
There are 187 cases of COVID-19 in Washtenaw County and we expect those numbers to continue to rise. Almost 25% of these individuals are hospitalized. We know that our elders and people with underlying health conditions are more at risk for serious illness. It is our strong recommendation that people follow the Governor’s Stay Home Stay Safe order and only leave their homes for essential trips (like to get groceries or medicine), that people stay six feet apart from others when they are out, that people wash their hands often and well for 20 seconds, and that people avoid any social gatherings.
We ask for your help in following these steps to help protect everyone’s health and contain the spread of this virus. Washtenaw County Health Department recommends the cancellation of faith-based gatherings or in-person services of any kind. Instead, consider posting sermons on social media, hosting group meetings via video chat, setting up text or phone trees to check-in with members. We must all do our part to protect our health and the health of others, particularly our most vulnerable community members. Please refer to the Washtenaw County Health Department’s website for more information and helpful resources. www.washtenaw.org/COVID19
Address/Location
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 734-971-8400
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is suspending state hiring and vetoing previously-planned state spending in a budget bill as the state anticipates reduced revenues due to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis.
Whitmer signed two supplemental budget bills to secure $150 million in new funding to respond to the coronavirus pandemic but vetoed $80 million in other planned budget items. The governor also took additional steps to conserve resources by ordering the temporary suspension of government hiring and restricting all discretionary spending by state departments and agencies.
The governor said the “world has changed” since the supplemental bills were negotiated earlier this year. Legislative leaders and the state Budget Office agreed vetoes were needed to save tax dollars “due to the incredible toll” COVID-19 will likely have on Michigan’s economy, Whitmer said at a Monday press conference.
“It’s too early to determine the exact impact on state revenues, and knowing there is potential for a significant loss in revenue, now is not the time to sign a bill for supplemental funding for anything other than dollars that can be utilized to help our COVID-19 response,” Whitmer said.
The bills add funding to the current budget year, which runs Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30.
House Bill 4729 included $125 million for coronavirus response, including sending $50 million to the Department of Health and Human Services to be distributed to critical health care providers and putting $35 million in a specially-designated coronavirus response fund.
Senate Bill 151 included $25 million for coronavirus response, which the governor approved. Of that, $10 million will go to state departments responding to coronavirus and $15 million will be set aside to address additional coronavirus needs as they arise.
The governor vetoed, however, an additional $80 million in funding included in SB 151 after coming to an agreement with House and Senate leaders. As passed by the House and Senate, the bill included $180.6 million in general fund dollars as part of $312.3 gross spending.
Per the state budget office, all spending in SB 151 was vetoed except the $25 million for coronavirus response efforts and the following:
- $31 million for court-ordered legal settlements within the Michigan State Police and Department of Corrections
- $19 million to pay down liabilities in the Venture Michigan Fund program that save the state at least $23 million (net $4 million)
- $14 million for legally required reimbursement of locals for presidential primaries
- $7 million General Fund/$48 million Gross to boost hospital outpatient rates as they respond to the virus
- $4 million to ensure critical oil and gas inspections continue
- $8 million to authorize spending for dedicated federal and restricted funds
Cuts include $15 million set aside for the Pure Michigan program and a number of smaller appropriations to local communities for things like libraries, event centers, museums and downtowns.
“Where there are unplanned expenditures or potential addition to operations, we’re going to stop all of that because we know we’ve got to be really conservative right now,” Whitmer said. “We know the toll that COVID-19 is going to take on our state economy and on our ability to meet the needs of the budget.”
Leaders of both parties in the state legislature celebrated the new funding related to coronavirus.
“Residents across the great state of Michigan need to know that the Executive and Legislative branches of state government are working together to do whatever is necessary to ensure an effective response to COVID-19," read a joint statement.
The statement was signed by Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake; Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint; House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering; and House Democratic Leader Christine Greig, D-Farmington Hills.
Whitmer said the state has already expended more than $80 million to secure vital medical supplies for hospitals that are being overwhelmed by the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
The funding secured more than 20 million N95 masks, 2,000 ventilators, nearly 9 million ounces of hand sanitizer, 255,000 boxes of gloves, 2.4 million gowns, 2,000 beds, 210,000 testing supplies, 3,000 thermometers, 185,000 face shields, 22,000 cartons of disinfecting wipes, and other needed supplies.
Michigan received 112,000 N95 masks from FEMA with another 8,000 on the way. The shipment is helpful at this moment, Whitmer said, but more there’s a much greater need.
She said one Detroit-area hospital goes through around 10,000 masks per day. Ten N95 masks are used every day in the course of treatment for one patient.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases continues to rise daily. There were 5,486 confirmed cases and 132 deaths as of Sunday.
Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said no one can say exactly when the cases will reach their peak, but it’s likely "several weeks” weeks away.
Whitmer urged Michiganders to stay in their homes in the meantime. She reminded residents that an executive order requiring people to stay in their homes until April 14 prohibits associating with neighbors and holding family gatherings.
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. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.
Read more on MLive:
Doctors on front lines of Michigan’s coronavirus crisis: ‘It seems like the sky is falling’
Michigan state Rep. Issac Robinson dies
Monday, March 30: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan
Coronavirus cases in Michigan’s prisons double over weekend
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is implementing new unemployment assistance programs secured by the $2 trillion federal stimulus bill aimed at counteracting the coronavirus’ economic impact.
The governor signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to implement pandemic unemployment programs available to workers who do not qualify for state unemployment benefits. The program, created through a provision added by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, provides temporary support for independent contractors, people who are self-employed, seasonal workers and others who can no longer work because of the pandemic.
The number of people seeking unemployment assistance in Michigan has risen dramatically during the last month. There were 129,298 new unemployment claims filed for the week ending March 21, up from 5,338 filed the week prior.
Nationally, almost 3.3 million Americans filed new unemployment claims, almost five times the previous record of 695,000 set in October 1982 for seasonally adjusted claims, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The agreement provides weekly benefits for all unemployed workers, including those who qualified for state aid, to $600 a week for up to four months. Benefit payments were extended from 26 weeks to 39 weeks.
“The State of Michigan is dedicated to implementing measures to protect the health of all our residents and we understand financial health is critical as we meet this challenge together,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This increase and expansion of unemployment benefits will provide a measure of security for Michigan working families who lost their income due to the pandemic. We are committed to ensuring emergency financial relief for unemployed residents who continue to stay home and stay safe.”
The program will expire on Dec. 31, unless otherwise extended. Undocumented workers do not qualify.
If a worker’s application has previously been denied by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency in the past three weeks, there is no need for them to reapply. They will be notified by the agency about any additional actions they need to take.
Michigan workers seeking unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic are being asked to file claims on specific days designated by their last name. The new schedule was implemented to handle a historic demand for unemployment benefits.
“We appreciate the patience Michigan residents have shown with the unemployment system over the last few weeks as we continue to provide emergency financial assistance during this historical demand," said Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio. “I want to assure every eligible worker in our state who needs to apply for unemployment benefits that they will receive them.”
The day or time of day in which a claim is filed will not impact whether a worker receives benefits, according to the state. Claims will be back-dated to reflect the date in which a claimant was laid-off or let go from their job due to COVID-19.
The eligibility window to apply for state benefits was increased from 14 to 28 days from their last day of work.
Starting Sunday, March 29, people filing claims online with last names beginning with the letters A-L will be asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, and last names beginning with the letters M-Z will be asked to file claims Sundays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. Anyone who couldn’t file during specified time windows could file on Saturdays.
Workers are also encouraged to go online between 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and avoid peak internet traffic times.
There is a similar schedule for people to file an unemployment claim over the phone at (866) 500-0017.
People with last names starting with A-L are asked to call between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays or Wednesdays, people with last names starting with M-Z are asked to call at the same time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are open for anyone to call.
To file an unemployment claim, visit Michigan.gov/UIA or call 866-500-0017.
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LANSING, MI -- The harsh reality, that COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate, is giving youth pause across Michigan.
" ... People are still congregating, that is just unacceptable," Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun said during a coronavirus update Thursday, April 2. “You can be 25 years old, healthy, no medical problems. You can easily get the coronavirus and you could potentially die.”
Younger segments of the population may exhibit mild or no symptoms and still pass the virus to others who will die or become severely sick, elected officials and medical professionals emphasize.
“(The virus is) obviously more serious than you think,” Grand Blanc High School football coach Clint Alexander told MLive. “ ... Young kids think you can live forever, and now they realize this thing is pretty scary.”
Alexander’s comment came following Sunday’s coronavirus-related death of his former player, a 2018 Grand Blanc High School graduate, 20-year-old Freddie Brown Jr., and a day after Kalamazoo County health officials confirmed the death of 25-year-old Western Michigan University student Bassey Offiong, also from COVID-19.
State Rep. Isaac Robinson, a 44-year-old whom friends and relatives suspect had the coronavirus, died on Sunday. A 38-year-old Detroit Police Department 911 dispatcher died of the coronavirus on March 23.
Those are some of Michigan’s 400-plus suspected or confirmed coronavirus-related deaths involving young or middle-aged victims, the ones who made the news. Many more haven’t.
Nearly 11%, or 45 of Michigan’s 417 COVID-19 deaths involve people between 20 and 49, according to the most recent data published by the state Thursday, April 2.
The average age of death is 71.3 years old with those over 70 accounting for 59%, or 246 of the 417 deaths.
While the majority of deaths have impacted the elderly, younger patients account for a vast number of cases.
As of the most recent coronavirus case data released in Michigan on Thursday, 40%, or 4,316 of Michigan’s 10,791 confirmed cases, involved patients between ages 20 and 49.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday said daily increases in new deaths and confirmed cases won’t likely slow until late April or early May.
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Regards,
Tim Driscoll
President, VVA 310
734-355-4897
Tim and Kathy Driscoll