Complete Story
05/13/2020
Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky Reopening Updates
Ohio State Press Conference Summary: 5/12
Tuesday, May 12: Governor DeWine announced that with the opening of retail locations on Tuesday May 12th, approximately 90% of the businesses in the state will be approved to be open for business. Outdoor dining at bars and restaurants will be permitted to begin on Friday, May 15th, with indoor seating dining permitted on Thursday, May 21st. He stated that childcare centers are not scheduled to open and that they are still developing the best possible practices to ensure the safety of workers, children, and their families. Gyms and fitness centers are also still not approved to open and are also working on a list of best practices for operation. No timeline has been released for businesses at this time.
He gave a reminder that face coverings are currently mandatory for employees (outside of the listed exceptions) and that individual businesses will have the authority to make the determination if they will require face coverings for customers.
Michigan State Press Conference Summary: 5/8 - 5/13
Wednesday, May 13: Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-82, extending a prior order temporarily lifting regulatory requirements on hospitals and care facilities to help ensure adequate personnel and facilities to serve patients during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The new order is in effect until June 9th.
Also, the state of Michigan announced that it would participate in the federal Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Work Share program to help offset budget implications as a result of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this program, impacted state employees will take two temporary layoff days per pay period beginning May 17th until July 25th resulting in up to $80 million in decreased wage costs.
This federal program allows the state to keep employees working with reduced hours, while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages. State managers at the 17 level and above will not participate in Work Share but will take one layoff day every other pay period resulting in an approximate 5 percent reduction in gross pay. Over 31,000 state employees will be impacted.
Impacted employees will retain their health insurance and other benefits and will be automatically enrolled into the unemployment process to help ensure they have the support they need during this challenging time.
Monday, May 11: Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-79, which lifts certain requirements of the application process for young Michiganders to obtain a work permit.
The order suspends the requirements of Youth Employment Standards Act to allow work permits to be mailed, emailed, faxed or sent via the web rather than the previously required in-person submission. The executive order is effective immediately and extends until June 8th.
Also, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-80, which continues to allow certain state administrative hearings to be held by video conference or phone in place of in-person hearings. This order is effective immediately and remains in effect through June 8th.The order also temporarily allows e-signatures in place of written signatures on related documents.
Friday May 8: Governor Whitmer signed Executive order 2020-78 to temporarily extend the expiration of state identification cards, driver’s licenses and operator endorsements, as well as suspends penalties for vehicle registration violations, and protects Michigan drivers. The order also ensures that automobile insurance will continue to protect and cover Michigan drivers.
The order protects Michiganders from penalties for driving on what would otherwise be expired driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses, and vehicle registrations. These protections do not apply to motorists with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses.
Kentucky State Press Conference Summary: 5/8 - 5/12
Tuesday, May 12: Today marked the next step in the reopening of the state’s health care sector. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services issued directives governing the opening of hospitals and other health care facilities. Beginning May 13th, hospitals and care facilities can begin doing non-emergency surgeries and procedures at 50% of their pre-COVID-19-era patient volume. Facilities will determine their own patient capacities starting May 27th, as long as progress continues.
Governor Beshear said that while Kentucky businesses are being encouraged to safely restart on a staggered schedule, owners and operators should continue to allow employees to telework when possible. Encouraging telework is the first of the 10 rules of staying healthy at work. Gov. Beshear’s administration is providing industry-specific guidance on reopening.
Monday, May 11: Dr. Stack announced Health Care Reopening Phase 2 is beginning with outpatient and ambulatory surgery and invasive procedures. All patients must have COVID-19 pre-procedure testing per professional association guidelines consistent with KDPH guidance. The 10 rules of reopening also apply, which includes universal masking and personal protective equipment (PPE), closed common areas, along with requirements to follow specific procedure guidance.
Friday, May 8: Governor Beshear outlined the requirements to begin reopening major segments of the economy and society including houses of worship, manufacturing, construction, government offices and agencies, retail and funeral services. Gov. Beshear also announced that government offices and agencies can open on May 18th and funeral homes can open on May 20th.
