With COVID-19 cases rising to 65 in Michigan, with 11 confirmed in Oakland County, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has implemented the closing of bars, restaurants and gyms while reducing crowds and gatherings to 50 people or fewer, as of March 18.
"This is a proactive step to ensure that our restaurants and other venues can provide our residents with safe environments and protect their employees," Oakland County Executive David Coulter said in a news release, according to MLive.
Banks, day care centers, grocery stores, retail stores and workplaces are remaining open while following the 50-or-less personal grouping rule.
"Our concern is having a certain number of people in one small, shared space. Being able to observe the 6-foot radius that the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommends is really a critical component of this," Whitmer said, according to MLive.
"We are committed to taking every necessary action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Oakland County." State Rep. Ryan Berman (R-Commerce Township) said in a press release March 13. "I am actively engaging with state experts, local officials and first responders to monitor this situation and help mitigate coronavirus spread in Oakland County and throughout southeast Michigan."
The Michigan House also approved a $25 million package to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the disease associated with the new coronavirus, which will fund testing, monitoring and infection control, Berman said in the same press release.
President Trump announced on March 18 the suspension of all evictions and foreclosures on homes, through at least the end of April, to help those who are being financially affected by the closures.
"The Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing immediate relief to renters and homeowners by suspending all foreclosures and evictions until the end of April," Trump said during his press briefing March 18, according to MLive.
Necessary steps that can be taken to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease are: washing your hands, not touching your face, sanitizing frequently used areas more often and staying away from large groups, according to Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center.
"I am committed to working with state experts to stay on top of this important issue," Berman said in the press release. "It will allow me to help report back to local residents as soon as possible on any potential concerns for our communities, or provide other pertinent information people need and deserve. I will be sure to keep on top of any developments as we go forward to help protect communities in Oakland County."
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