UPDATE: Governor Whitmer COVID-19 Daily Update April 30, 2020

Michigan Executive Office of the Governor sent this bulletin at 04/30/2020 06:30 AM EDT

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Below is an update on the 2019 Coronavirus outbreak as of 10:00 PM on 4/29/2020                      

 

UPDATE 

 

  • Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio, Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Khaldun to talk about what the state is doing to both fight COVID-19 and re-engage Michigan’s economy. The governor knows the state faces two crises; a public health crisis and an economic one, but she noted that her number one priority remains the health and safety of Michiganders and their families. The speakers made it clear that they will all work together to take safe, data and health driven steps to re-engage Michigan’s economy. To watch the full update click here.  

 

 

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  • The governor is focused on protecting working families and ensuring they have a safe workplace and opportunities to get ahead. That’s why she expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits, prohibited businesses from retaliating against workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 or show symptoms, and created the “Futures for Frontliners” program to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to critical infrastructure workers who don’t have a college degree. The program would include workers like those staffing our hospitals and nursing homes, stocking the shelves at grocery stores, providing child care to critical infrastructure workers, manufacturing PPE, protecting public safety, picking up trash, or delivering supplies.  

 

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“The Futures for Frontliners program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have risked their lives on the front lines of this crisis. This program will ensure tuition-free college opportunities and give these dedicated Michiganders an opportunity to earn a technical certificate, associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree,” Governor Whitmer said. “I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis. You’re the reason we’re going to get through this.”  

 

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  • The governor also announced a $130 million investment to make child care more affordable and accessible for Michigan families during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

   

“Child care providers have been critical partners in helping our state respond to COVID-19, and we are extremely grateful for their service,” Governor Whitmer said. “Every child care provider and early educator is important in giving parents some peace of mind while they are delivering essential services to our state at this challenging time. 

 

  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 1,137 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 40,399.  

 

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HAPPENING ACROSS STATE GOVERNMENT 

 

  • A partnership between state government, Meijer and the Food Bank Council of Michigan will help feed a growing number of residents turning to food banks during the COVID-19 crisis. The collaborative project between the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and Food Bank Council directly responds to the massive need being placed on the state’s seven regional food banks.   

 

“School closures, unemployment and rising poverty related to the pandemic are disproportionally impacting people already at risk of hunger,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Working together, the State of Michigan and our partners in the nonprofit and business sectors can help families and seniors put food on the table during these difficult times.” 

 

  • The state knows that this is a challenging time for everyone including small businesses. The MEDC is encouraging Michiganders to support local by playing a fun game of bingo. Check out the game below to see how many you have complete and which ones you need to put on your to-do list.  

 

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RESOURCES 

 

 

MEDIA COVERAGE 

 

 

A BIT OF RELIEF  

 

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