Insider Intelligence

Given the rapid increase of COVID-19 metrics due to the new Omicron variant, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the state’s goal of administering 1 million more booster shots by January 31, 2022. Additionally, the state is working to administer boosters to 95% of eligible nursing home residents. As of December 21, Michigan’s positivity rate was 16.2%, which […]

This week, the House passed legislation appropriating just over $1 billion in federal COVID relief dollars. The bill, introduced by Representative Julie Calley (R-Portland), is aimed at expanding early treatment capacity, ease worker shortages, and keeping schools open for in-person learning. Specifics within the bill include: $668 million for COVID testing; of which $150 million […]

A $1.2 billion supplemental budget plan, funded entirely by federal COVID relief dollars, was considered in the House Appropriations Committee this week. The proposal includes funding to expand early treatment capacity for COVID-19 patients, easing worker shortages in the health care system, and keeping schools open for in-person learning. Specifics within the appropriation include: $300 […]

New data shows that the majority of Michigan residents severely sick with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Based on recent data from most health systems, three out of four COVID patients are unvaccinated, 87% of COVID ICU patients are unvaccinated, and 88% of COVID ventilator patients are unvaccinated. The number of hospitalizations reached a new high in […]

Michigan businesses couldn’t be fined for a first-time civil violation of an emergency standard related to COVID-19 under legislation passed by the Senate this week. Under the House bill, the Michigan Occupation and Safety Health Administration(MIOSHA) couldn’t impose the fine, if the employer corrects the violation. Additionally, the plan would require MIOSHA to reimburse civil […]

The Department of Health and Human Services is looking for community partners willing to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Done at no cost to the host site or event, the department is hoping the partnerships will help get as many shots in arms as possible in order to speed up recovery and economic growth throughout Michigan. […]

Schools wouldn’t be allowed to require masks or vaccines not approved by the FDA under a bill package reported by the Senate Education and Career Readiness Committee this week. Currently, there are guidelines under which a child may request a waiver from a mask requirement. However, under the bills a parent could simply request their […]

Asymptomatic students may not have to quarantine for two weeks under certain conditions, according to updated guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. According to the guidance, schools should continue to work with local health departments to quickly isolate COVID-19 cases among students and staff, identify close contacts of those cases, and […]