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Dear Friends,
There’s no question that the past few weeks have been difficult for all of us, especially for those who have lost family, friends and loved ones in the fight against COVID-19. But each of us has a vital role to play in stopping the spread of this virus and protecting the lives of our neighbors — staying home as much as possible. That’s why Gov. Whitmer is extending the Stay Home, Stay Safe order until April 30.
Extending the Stay Home, Stay Safe order was not a decision the governor made lightly, but it really is our best way to save lives and finally bring this crisis to an end. Below you’ll find additional information about Gov. Whitmer’s newest order.
Upcoming Virtual Coffee Hours
Although our in-person events are not possible at this time, I wanted to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in a couple of virtual events I will be hosting in the coming weeks.
- Today, Thursday, April 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. To join us by online by clicking here.
- On Monday, April 20 from 10 to 11 p.m. To join us by online by clicking here.
I know that these times are troubling, but remember we will get through this together. Stay home, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you in cyberspace.
Serving Our Critical Needs
Gov. Whitmer’s executive order helps to clarify additional businesses that may remain open to meet our communities’ critical needs:
- Retail stores that sell products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and basic operations of residences, including convenience stores, pet supply, auto supplies and repair, hardware and home improvement, and appliance stores.
- Laundromats, coin laundries and dry cleaners.
- Hotels and motels.
- Auto dealerships.
Protecting Michigan Workers and Communities
We may never be able to fully express the depth of our gratitude and appreciation for the Michiganders who risk their own safety each day to serve our communities on the frontlines of this crisis, but we can at least ensure their employers do everything they can to mitigate the threat of COVID-19. Gov. Whitmer’s executive order requires open businesses to:
- Restrict workers on premises to those absolutely necessary for operation.
- Allow remote work as much as possible.
- Maintain social distancing for workers and customers as much as possible.
- Enhance cleaning and disinfecting protocols and practices.
- Establish strict screening protocols to keep workers with COVID-19 symptoms from entering the business.
- Develop a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.
- Limit the number of customers in the store.
Big Box retail stores (50,000 square feet or larger) must also:
- Only allow sales of products and services that are directly required to protect and sustain life.
- Prohibit access to products such as carpet or flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries and paint.
- Use curbside pick-up to reduce lines and in-store access.
- Create special shopping times for seniors, pregnant women and others with chronic medical conditions.
2020 Census
I know there’s a lot going on right now for you and your family, and it’s easy for us to lose sight of anything but our most immediate needs. I urge you to take a quick moment out of your day, right now, to join me in doing our small part in building a stronger Michigan for all of us over the next ten years by filling out your 2020 Census.
Getting an accurate count of every Michigander is vital to making sure our state gets its fair share of federal funding and Congressional representation. It helps everyone from policymakers to researchers to businesses make decisions based on the best information about the people of our state.
This is the first time you can even fill out the Census online. You should have already received a letter in the mail with instructions on how to complete the questionnaire online or by phone, and it may also include a paper form you can mail in instead. One person per home should answer questions about everyone who lives there. The more households that complete the Census now, the fewer visits Census workers will have to make to fill in the gaps.
Michigan’s future is in our hands, let’s stand up and be counted!
Sincerely,
State Representative Brenda Carter
29th House District
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