Protect Michigan Commission
Weekly Newsletter
May 25, 2021
'MI Vacc to Normal' Plan Update
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an updated ‘Vacc to Normal’ plan last week, and released updated Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules. As of June 1, capacity limits will lift for outdoor events. Additionally, indoor capacity limits will increase to 50%, allowing indoor social gatherings such as weddings and funerals to move closer to normalcy. As of July 1, the state will no longer limit capacity at indoor or outdoor gatherings.
As part of a bipartisan agreement announced by Gov. Whitmer, MIOSHA filed updated COVID-19 emergency rules in accordance with the MI Vacc to Normal plan and recent health guidelines and orders. Now that the state has reached the 55% vaccination threshold, MIOSHA has removed the requirement that employers must create a “policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.” The agency has also rescinded the draft permanent COVID-19 rules, and the public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 is canceled.
MIOSHA has updated other aspects of the emergency rules to reflect the recent epidemic order from MDHHS and guidance from the CDC. Those changes include:
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Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees to not wear face coverings and social distance provided they have a policy deemed effective to ensure non-vaccinated individuals continue to follow these requirements.
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The rules have been reformed focusing on performance, eliminating industry-specific requirements. Definitions have been updated to more clearly reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees.
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Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations.
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Employers should continue to have and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules.
Under the new epidemic order, which goes into effect Tuesday, June 1, and continues through Thursday, July 1, masks will continue to be required indoors for individuals who are not yet vaccinated.
MDHHS continues to urge Michiganders to follow CDC guidance, even where not specifically required by an epidemic order, including masking up at schools, on the bus or train and in congregate settings such as prisons and homeless shelters. People who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to mask up outdoors in crowded settings like a baseball game or concert. Organizations and businesses have the authority to put into place policies and guidelines that make sense for their operations, and for the safety of their employees and customers.
Friday, May 21 PMC Meeting Materials
Upcoming Town Halls
Town Hall for Spanish-Speaking Community
The town hall for Spanish speaking communities is scheduled for this Thursday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Facebook.com/MichiganHHS in partnership with the PMC LatinX Workgroup. This event will be conducted in Spanish.
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Town Hall for Middle Eastern Community
Last week Michigan hosted a town hall with Middle Eastern leaders and health experts in partnership with the PMC Middle Eastern Workgroup and The Arab American News. The event featured English, Arabic, Chaldean and Urdu speakers.
The event was recorded and can be viewed at Facebook.com/MichiganHHS.
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, Small Business Association of Michigan and PMC have more clinics planned around the state. All Michiganders working in hospitality and retail who are vaccinated at each will walk away with a $25 Visa gift card. Scheduled clinics:
Ann Arbor
- June 3 from 3-6 p.m.
- Zingerman's Greyline, 100 N Ashley St, Ann Arbor
Traverse City
- June 7
- (More details coming soon!)
Grand Rapids
- June 9 from 2 - 7 p.m.
- Hilton Garden Inn, 2321 East Beltline
If you know of a local business who may want to offer their own incentives, let us know at protectmicommission@michigan.gov.
Note: The gift cards and all other incentives offered at the clinics are donated and not paid for with taxpayer money.
Below are community vaccination clinics that PMC is involved in planning or aware of:
The Samaritan Center
The Samaritan Center is working with the City of Detroit to provide a walk-in vaccination clinic at Samaritan Center Wellness Center building located at 5555 Conner Avenue in Detroit. The clinic is open to anyone 16+ and will be administering the Pfizer vaccine.
The clinic will run Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m.
UNI and CHASS
In a partnership with CHASS Clinic, the Urban Neighborhoods Initiative (UNI) will be offering free Moderna vaccines to those 18+ (undocumented individuals are welcome). Everyone is welcomed! We are requiring appointments. Moderna is a two dose vaccine and it is IMPORTANT that you are able to attend both appointments.
- When: June 12, 2021 from 9am to 1pm
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Where: 8300 Longworth St. Detroit, 48209
- No ID or insurance needed.
- Translators will be available.
- To register, call (313) 841-4447 or visit https://forms.gle/3fxN69QFmZ7bzhVk8.
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