UPDATE: Governor Whitmer COVID-19 Daily Update February 23

Michigan Executive Office of the Governor sent this bulletin at 02/23/2021 06:30 AM EST

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VACCINE UPDATE  

 

  • The state of Michigan has administered 1,883,281 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, with 31,857 being administered on February 20 and 21. 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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  • Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II returned to his alma mater to see how the vaccination rollout was progressing and thank the hardworking Michiganders distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. He was joined by Dr. Mark Schlissel, president of the University of Michigan, toured the University of Michigan vaccination operation, which is being operated out of the ‘Big House,’ University of Michigan’s football stadium. 

 

“Governor Whitmer and I have made it a priority to tour and further understand how these vaccination sites are operating and to ensure that we’re equitably distributing the vaccine. I was proud to visit my alma mater and see this lifesaving work in real-time,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “It’s clear that our public health professionals, doctors, nurses, the Michigan National Guard, and volunteers are doing everything they can to get shots in arms, but they need more resources. It’s time for the legislature to come to the table and work with Governor Whitmer to pass the MI COVID Recovery Plan. This plan will allocate $90 million in federal funding to help us ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan, bring us closer to our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day and help us end the COVID-19 pandemic once and for all.”   

 

  • The State of Michigan is hosting a series of virtual town halls about the COVID-19 vaccine through Facebook Live on the MDHHS Facebook page. On Thursday, residents will have the opportunity to hear about the safety, efficacy, and importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for safely opening Michigan.  

 

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ICYMI 

 

  • On February 20, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order declaring a state of energy emergency in Michigan to ensure adequate propane distribution over the coming days. In an effort to reduce this strain and ensure a consistent flow of energy, the executive order temporarily suspends restrictions on commercial driver hours to allow the immediate delivery of energy to homes and businesses.   

 

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  • MDHHS announced 1,484 cases of COVID-19 from Sunday and Monday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 581,403.     

 

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HAPPENING ACROSS STATE GOVERNMENT 

 

  • The Council on Climate Solutions has scheduled its inaugural, organizational meeting for Thursday, Feb. 25, to discuss the goals and expectations for the group as it advises the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in developing an effective and equitable strategy to achieve economywide carbon neutrality by 2050. 

 

“The first meeting of the Council on Climate Solutions marks a critical step in our fight against climate change,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m proud that we’ve assembled an incredible team that understands the importance of implementing bold climate solutions that work for Michigan. Their work to develop the MI Healthy Climate Plan will protect Michiganders’ public health and the environment and help develop new clean energy jobs by putting Michigan on a path towards becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2050.” 

 

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  • In light of the economic struggles presented by COVID-19, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is participating in America Saves Week to promote the importance of saving, and to encourage Michiganders to save – at any level – to improve their financial wellbeing both during the pandemic and after. 

 

“The past year has had a profound impact on the finances of many Michiganders, and saving has not necessarily been easy or possible,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “By participating in America Saves Week, we hope to highlight the importance of positive saving habits. Setting aside any amount when you are able to, even a small amount, can add a sense of security and accomplishment.” 

 

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  • Legislative, education, economic development and business leaders from northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula joined Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to voice their support and tout local benefits for residents taking advantage of the state’s new Michigan Reconnect program. 

 

The aim of Michigan Reconnect is to make it easier and more affordable than ever for adults with some or no college experience to earn a postsecondary degree or skills certificate. In northern Michigan and the U.P., 395,000 residents would be eligible for the scholarship. 

 

“With more than 40,000 applications submitted statewide since the program launched on Feb. 2, the response to Michigan Reconnect is certainly off to a good start,” said Susan Corbin, acting director for LEO. “But we can’t stop there. In order to ensure all Michiganders have an opportunity for a prosperous future, we need all businesses, teachers, parents, family and friends encouraging those they work with or know to take that leap and take advantage of this opportunity to achieve their associate degree or skills certificate for little to no cost.” 

 

MEDIA COVERAGE 

 

 

A BIT OF RELIEF 

 

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