Complete Story
05/27/2020
Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky Reopening Updates
Ohio State Press Conference Summary: 5/20 - 5/26
Governor DeWine reviewed the preliminary findings from the Minority Health Strike Force, which included some recommendations to help support the minority communities in Ohio who have seen a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Final recommendations will be issued on June 11th.
Ohio is partnering with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers and the Nationwide Foundation to distribute thousands of Community Wellness Kits that contain COVID-19 protection-related items, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer, and soap. The state is also providing $1 million in grants to provide mental health and addiction services for hard-to-reach individuals, such as racial and ethnic minorities, Appalachian and rural communities, older adults and others.
New orders were announced on the extended closure of school buildings until June 30th, guidelines for low/no contact recreational activities, and also the reopening of gyms, dance studios and other fitness facilities.
Governor DeWine announced the formation of new Congregate Care Unified Response Teams to test residents and staff members in Ohio's nursing homes. Beginning this week, the Congregate Care Unified Response Teams, which will include medically trained members of the Ohio National Guard, will begin testing residents and staff within nursing homes.
Michigan State Press Conference Summary: 5/20 - 5/26
A new online dashboard has been launched that visually illustrates COVID-19 risks and trends in Michigan, providing residents with important information about the pandemic status where they live and work. It was developed through a collaboration between the Michigan departments of Health and Human Services and Labor and Economic Opportunity, along with the University of Michigan. To learn more, visit www.MiStartMap.info
Under Executive Order 2020-104, anyone who leaves their home for work, or has symptoms of COVID-19 (even mild symptoms), may receive a test at a community testing location without securing a doctor’s order in advance. Medical personnel will be available to order testing upon arrival.
Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-103, which allows local governments to use alternative means, other than mass mailings, to send out hearing notifications. Under this order, notice of any public hearing required to take place under a tax abatement statute may be provided electronically and by newspaper.
The city of Detroit has released a Small Business Playbook with protocols that can be adapted for different kinds of businesses to implement a safe return to work. Detroit Means Business will provide financial, technical, and safety resources. The playbook, which the city’s Health Department released, includes guidance on employee testing, daily temperature checks and health screenings, obtaining and correctly using personal protective equipment, social distancing and workspace practices, worksite sanitation protocols, sick and exposure policies, and physical changes to workspaces for safety. Support is available for businesses operating in the city, with an emphasis on businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The program will continue to be updated as new protocols are announced and tools become available.
Governor Whitmer signed an executive order 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. Also, starting Friday, May 29th, health care providers can perform nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures, and starting Tuesday, May 26th, 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.
Kentucky State Press Conference Summary: 5/20 - 5/26
Keeping safe while celebrating together is crucial as we enter the traditional start of the summer season. Governor Beshear and state health officials are asking all Kentuckians to keep gatherings to 10 or fewer people. Other guidance includes wearing masks, gathering outside instead of inside, washing hands frequently and covering food and individually wrapping plates.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Secretary Eric Friedlander announced that on June 8th, in-home child care programs can open. On June 15th, center-based licensed child care programs can reopen to all families. The maximum group size will be 10 children per group. Children will remain in the same groups all day and staff will be assigned to the same children each day to reduce exposure.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and the Kentucky Department of Education are partnering to provide food assistance to families who have lost access to free or reduced-price school meals during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. Beginning May 23rd, Kentucky families with students who normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school may get financial assistance to replace those meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Governor Beshear said Friday that a new Absentee Ballot Application Portal is now online. He urged everyone who plans to vote in next month’s primary elections to go to the portal and request an absentee mail-in ballot. He noted that some limited in-person voting will be allowed to ensure everyone has the right to vote. The last day to apply for a ballot is June 15th. The primary elections in Kentucky will be held June 23rd.
