UPDATE: Governor Whitmer COVID-19 Daily Update February 11, 2021

Michigan Executive Office of the Governor sent this bulletin at 02/11/2021 06:30 AM EST

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VACCINE UPDATE  

 

  • The state of Michigan has administered 1,391,159 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, with 41,163 being administered on February 9. Every COVID-19 vaccine allocated to Michigan has either been administered or is scheduled to be administered via appointment. 

 

To view the total distribution of vaccines and more vaccine information, visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine to view the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.   

   

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  • As Michigan continues their aggressive vaccination strategy more and more frontline health care workers are able to get their vaccine to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.  

 

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ICYMI 

 

  • Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II criticized Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) yesterday for his disturbing threats of violence toward the governor and continued efforts to encourage militia groups in the midst of a global pandemic.  

 

“As elected officials, what we do and what we say matters, and that is true now more than ever as Michiganders look to us for leadership in steering the state through this ongoing pandemic and economic recovery. But rather than focus on these issues — getting vaccines for people, getting our kids safely back into the classroom and supporting our small businesses — the Senate Majority Leader has chosen to spend his time and energy fanning the flames of dangerous conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection in Washington, alongside aggressive, sexist threats toward the governor. This behavior is beneath the office he was elected to and the standard of decency the people of our state deserve. 

 

“Nevertheless, I stand ready, today, in the middle of a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of nearly 15,000 of our neighbors and loved ones throughout Michigan, to solve the problems this pandemic has created. In my own life, I’ve lost 27 friends and loved ones to this deadly virus. But despite the staggering impact that this virus continues to have on us all, the Senate Majority Leader is shirking his responsibility to face the crisis at hand, instead doubling down his focus on attacking Governor Whitmer — literally threatening her to a fistfight on the Capitol lawn — and emboldening violent extremists. As a parent, my own children know these types of actions and threats are unacceptable, and I pray that the Senate Majority Leader is capable of evolving beyond such immaturity.  

  

“While the Senate Majority Leader made a half-hearted attempt to address his inexcusable language and behavior last night, and an even weaker attempt during a prayer in today’s Senate session, his comments toward me on the Senate floor this morning tell a different story. It is clear that his so-called apology was not heartfelt, nor did it come from a place of humility and understanding. Rather, it was an empty gesture made for political expediency, and one that the people of Michigan can see right through.  

  

“It’s time for Republican leaders in the Legislature to publicly denounce these types of conspiracies and divisive, violent rhetoric. And it’s long-past time for the highest-ranking member of the Legislature to grow up and join the people of Michigan in fighting our common enemy, COVID-19. We are ready to turn the corner and end this pandemic — to pave the pathway to recovery for our people, kids and businesses. That will happen more quickly, and allow us to save more lives, if and when we work together.” 

 

  • Governor Whitmer announced appointments to the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, State Historic Preservation Review Board, Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board, and Utility Consumer Participation Board yesterday. 

 

  • MDHHS announced 915 cases of COVID-19 yesterday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 570,895.   

 

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HAPPENING ACROSS STATE GOVERNMENT 

 

  • The Biden Administration has tapped one of Michigan’s Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to be a part of the federal COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. The task force is aimed at tackling disparities associated with race, ethnicity, geography, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. in testing, cases, hospitalizations, and mortality during the pandemic.  

 

“We are so proud that Dr. J is joining this national task force,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “She’s an extraordinary public servant who has helped our state navigate the pandemic through her confident leadership and unparalleled expertise. Michiganders are grateful for everything she has and continues to do for us, and we know that the Biden Administration is lucky to have her on board.” 

 

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  • Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Treasury announced that Michiganders who collected state unemployment benefits last year will not be required to pay penalty and interest related to underpaid estimated tax payments.  

 

“Unemployment benefits have been a lifeline for many families during this pandemic, helping them put food on the table and pay the bills,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Some Michiganders could have faced income tax penalties on their unemployment benefits, and I’m glad we can take prompt action to provide much needed relief for Michigan households.” 

 

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