UPDATE: Governor Whitmer COVID-19 Daily Update March 1

Michigan Executive Office of the Governor sent this bulletin at 03/02/2021 06:30 AM EST

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VACCINE UPDATE  

 

  • The state of Michigan has administered 2,269,495 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, with 4,786 being administered on March 1st. 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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ICYMI 

 

  • Michigan is expected to receive its largest shipment of more than 400,000 vaccines this week, and the CDC has now approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for U.S. distribution and use. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist explain this update on Michigan’s vaccine progress Monday morning. 

 

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  • Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks announced today the expansion of the MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants to include a new grant program for Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP), Head Start, adult education and young adult (ages 18-26) special education classroom teachers.   

  

 

“The MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants are just a small token of our gratitude to educators for going above and beyond during the pandemic,” Governor Whitmer said. “When COVID-19 hit, teachers worked around the clock to quickly transform from in-person teaching to remote instruction to ensure that their students could continue learning. It is simply the right thing to do to expand these grants to include all specific program teachers across the state.”   

 

  • Today, Governor Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring the month of March as Reading Month in Michigan. Throughout the month, schools, children, and adults alike use this time to promote the importance of reading. 

 

“Every year the country uses this month to promote reading and imagination. I am proud to declare March as Reading Month in Michigan and I encourage everyone to find time to read,” said Governor Whitmer. “This month, we should recommit ourselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.” 

 

  • MDHHS announced 1,569 cases of COVID-19 from Sunday and Monday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 589,150.     

 

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HAPPENING ACROSS STATE GOVERNMENT 

 

  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been promoted to a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). 

 

“With over 400 veteran employees, we have long been committed to recruiting and retaining those who have served our country,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “We all benefit when veterans have a support system that is designed to help them thrive in state government. The department gains invaluable skillsets and Michigan’s most vulnerable populations benefit from their skills and dedication to service.” 

 

  • The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Quandel Consultants recently received the highest honor with the Engineering Eminent Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC/M) of Michigan for their work on the Accelerated Rail Project. The ACEC/M recognizes worthy Michigan engineering and surveying projects from the past year, as well as engineering professionals who have significantly contributed to the profession. The award was announced at the organization's annual gala held virtually on Feb. 26. 

 

"I am thrilled MDOT and Quandel Consultants won this top honor for their hard work involved in the important Accelerated Rail Project," said Peter Anastor, MDOT Office of Rail director. "MDOT took bold initiative to become a nationally recognized leader in supporting intercity rail service by acquiring the railroad right of way and investing in these infrastructure improvements. Now Michigan is the only state outside of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor carrying trains at speeds of 110 mph." 

 

  • The Michigan Public Service Commission’s 2020 Annual Report documents an extraordinary year dominated by efforts to maintain access to safe, reliable and affordable energy and telecommunications for Michiganders whose lives were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

The MPSC tackled critical issues including expanding financial help for utility customers hit hard by the pandemic and a shaken economy, and easing access to assistance programs. The agency also worked with providers to ensure vital energy and telecommunications service continued uninterrupted despite challenges to keeping front-line workers safe. 

 

 

MEDIA COVERAGE 

 

 

A BIT OF RELIEF 

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Watch full skit here: Vaccine Game Show Cold Open - SNL