Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Friday, May 1, 2020:
-- Michigan's economy is starting back up again — slowly. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday issued an executive order easing some restrictions to allow people who work in certain types of jobs — including real estate and construction — to go back to work on May 7. DETAILS HERE.
-- While the COVID-19 case rise rate is decreasing in metro Detroit — officials are keeping an eye on some other areas of the state where the rate is increasing. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Friday there are 977 new cases in Michigan, and 77 new deaths. That brings the totals to 42,356 confirmed cases and 3,866 deaths statewide during the coronavirus pandemic. DETAILS HERE.
-- Bars and casinos in Michigan will stay closed, and restaurants will be limited to carryout and delivery only at least until May 28. One of three new executive orders signed by Gov. Whitmer Thursday night extended the State of Emergency for another 28 days. DETAILS HERE.
-- After images of armed protesters at Michigan's Capitol made headlines worldwide, Gov. Whitmer expressed disappointment. "Yesterday's scene at the Capitol was disturbing, to be quite honest," Whitmer said. "Swastikas and Confederate flags, nooses and automatic rifles do not represent who we are as Michiganders." READ MORE.
-- In the mood for love, but can't get to the pharmacy? The state of Michigan has launched a service to deliver condoms to the door for anyone who requests them during the coronavirus pandemic. DETAILS
-- Some Target employees across metro Detroit and the rest of the country are expected to call in sick today in protest of what they see as less than ideal conditions at the retailer during the pandemic. MORE HERE
-- The GOP-led Legislature voted Thursday to authorize a lawsuit challenging the authority of Whitmer to take executive action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. She says she will veto the bill. READ MORE.
-- While the governor and Republican leaders are bickering over who has authority in a state of emergency, the two sides are also preparing to battle it out over severe cuts to state services due to the economic impact of the coronavirus on the state budget. DETAILS HERE
-- Despite legislative pushback and public protests, the actions taken by Gov. Whitmer during the outbreak are justified. That's the ruling from the Michigan Court of Claims yesterday, which also refused to grant a preliminary injunction against her orders. DETAILS
-- For the first time, a major U.S. study has found that an experimental drug works against the new coronavirus — and federal government officials said Wednesday that they would work to make it available to appropriate patients as quickly as possible. READ MORE.
- Gov. Whitmer announced a series of initiatives to help Michigan workers and their families during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the "Futures for Frontliners" program to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers. LEARN MORE.
- Michigan State Police are investigating after three protesters refused to leave and were forcibly removed from the House of Representatives gallery in Lansing Wednesday. One woman, heard on video screaming, claimed she was assaulted. MORE HERE.
-- A 3-month-old boy who was beaten to death in a Warren motel by his teenage father is confirmed to have been suffering from coronavirus when he was killed, police said. DETAILS HERE
-- McLaren Macomb hospital started a petition asking for more sick time, hazard pay and personal protection equipment. And now they have support from above: Congressman Andy Levin, state Rep Bill Sowerby and Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp joined a video conference this week with members of the union at the Mount Clemens hospital. MORE
-- Some City of Detroit employees are headed back to work next week, under Mayor Mike Duggan's plan to reengaged the city's economy. But it won't be without precautions — including daily temperature checks. READ MORE.
-- In the governor's latest stay-home order, she loosened restrictions on golf courses, boating and some work, like landscaping, while tightening rules about face coverings. Beginning today, Michiganders are required to wear masks in enclosed public spaces. DETAILS HERE
-- Masks, however, are not easy to find. See Michigan AG Dana Nessel's solution HERE.
-- There are pickup locations from Detroit to Romeo as Forgotten Harvest works to get groceries to struggling families. For anyone who might need a little help with food this week, see the distribution SCHEDULE HERE.
-- "This was their dream, they were employing people in their community." In this week's episode of our podcast WWJ In Depth, we meet people on the front lines of documenting the scrappy nature of small business while reaching out to help that community in the time of COVID-19. LISTEN HERE.
-- A popular downtown restaurant is laying off its staff -- permanently. Punch Bowl Social in Detroit will lay off 97 workers, another victim of coronavirus budget slashing by a larger corporation. SEE MORE
- Michigan's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said COVID-19 testing is now open up to first responders, health care workers and all essential employees — even those who do not have symptoms. FIND A TESTING SITE.
-- Need some help figuring out how to get your stimulus check? There's a new website for that. DETAILS HERE.
-- Many businesses have temporarily closed their doors as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, but there are plenty of restaurants still open across metro Detroit for carryout and curbside pickup. Hungry? CHECK THE LIST.
-- The three main symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In order to mitigate risk of spreading COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to take action to reduce the spread, including: wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoid handshakes; avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home when you are sick. Officials are urging social distancing -- staying at least six feet away from other people -- to help flatten the curve.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 where we will remain live, local and committed to bringing you the latest information during this outbreak. >>LISTEN LIVE!
