UPDATE: Governor Whitmer COVID-19 Daily Update April 23

Michigan Executive Office of the Governor sent this bulletin at 04/23/2021 06:30 AM EDT

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VACCINE UPDATE  

 

  • The state of Michigan has administered 6,280,313 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. 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 

 

  • As a result of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request of the federal government to help get more Michiganders vaccinated as quickly as possible, more than 200 federal personnel will be arriving in Michigan this week to assist at three mass vaccination sites: DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Ford Field in Detroit and TCF in Detroit. 

“We appreciate the support from our federal partners, especially adding additional boots on the ground to allow for more shots in arms more quickly,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "We are still fighting this virus, and we must continue masking up, socially distancing, washing our hands, and crucially, getting vaccinated. I will continue fighting to make sure Michigan gets the support it needs so we can get back to normal sooner." 

  • On Earth Day Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that state-owned facilities would utilize 100% renewable energy by 2025. This goal is made possible through partnerships with three major utilities, DTE, Consumers Energy, and Lansing Board of Water and Light. The energy purchased will expand the utility’s renewable portfolio in Michigan, rather than simply rerouting existing renewable energy that is already being generated. 

"Since my first day in office, we’ve continued to make real, lasting progress on environmental and climate issues across our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “By moving state-owned buildings to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, we are working towards protecting public health and our environment, while attracting more clean energy jobs to Michigan. Actions like this and the MI Healthy Climate Plan will be paramount within the next 10 years to reduce the harmful impacts of climate change. I will continue to work towards building a stronger, more sustainable future for Michiganders and for future generations to come.”   

  • On Thursday, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, along with the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force members on Racial Disparities, recognized the first anniversary of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. To date, the task force has made significant progress towards reducing COVID-19 mortality rate disparities for Michiganders of color. The Task Force members recognize that their work must continue to address the racial disparities in vaccine adoption in communities of color. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist is launching the ‘Making Real Change’ Tour across Michigan to ensure that work continues and allows for direct community interactions. 

  • "Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this virus has shined a light on the unique health, economic, and educational challenges Black communities and communities of color face daily. When Governor Whitmer and I observed how deadly these deadly trends presented themselves during COVID-19, we took immediate action to protect public health,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “With cases rising in communities across our state, it is more important than ever that we continue the work of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. The Making Real Change Tour will highlight his task-force-recommended actions being implemented and adapted, helping Michiganders. This task force will continue to focus on making real, timely changes that will make a difference in people’s lives right now.”

  • On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the community vaccination clinic at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Flint to observe ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts and ensure that safe, effective vaccines are being distributed efficiently and equitably.  

“We have made significant progress in getting Michiganders vaccinated, but we must continue working to ensure that every Michigander has access to the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” said Governor Whitmer. “Community sites like Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Flint will help us reach our goal of equitably vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders who are 16 years or older more quickly. We must all continue to do our part by masking up, socially distancing, washing our hands, and most importantly, getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The vaccines are the lights at the end of the tunnel, and we will beat COVID-19 and emerge together.”   

  • On Thursday, Governor Whitmer signed two bipartisan state House bills that will update state and city income tax filing and payment deadlines.  

“I’m happy to sign both of these bipartisan bills that give Michiganders more time on their income taxes,” said Governor Whitmer. “This has been a challenging time for both individuals and businesses. Moving these tax deadlines to align with changes at the federal level is simply the right thing to do, giving everyone a bit of a buffer and peace of mind as we navigate these extraordinary times.” 

 

  • MDHHS announced 4,867 cases of COVID-19 from yesterday. This brings the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 to 809,591.    

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HAPPENING ACROSS STATE GOVERNMENT 

 

  • In an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and select Michigan airports, are piloting a Travel Points Testing program this spring - bringing antigen COVID-19 testing to locations with high volumes of travel. 

"As we head into the summer with vaccines ramping up and a light at the end of the tunnel, I am so proud of this partnership between MDOT and MDHHS to keep Michiganders safe," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "I encourage all Michiganders to continue masking up, socially distancing and hand washing to slow the spread, and if you re-enter or travel across the state, get tested at one of the new sites being set up at key points. Finally, I encourage you to get vaccinated, which is the most effective way to keep you and your family safe and put this pandemic behind us." 

 

 

A BIT OF RELIEF 

 

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https://twitter.com/MIFirstDogs/status/1385259180232171521

RESOURCES 

 

  • COVID-19 Hotline 1-888-535-6136