Governor Whitmer Unveils Plan to Gradually Lift COVID-19 Restrictions

Governor Whitmer Unveils Plan to
Gradually Lift COVID-19 Restrictions

This morning, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the “MI Vacc to Normal” plan, a four-step strategy that bases future action to reduce COVID-19 restrictions on vaccination-based milestones (see infographic below). As vaccination rates rise, all in-person work will be permitted and indoor capacity limits will be systematically relaxed and eventually lifted.

Of particular note to manufacturers, Step 1 would lift the requirement for employers to require remote work when feasible two weeks after 55 percent of eligible Michiganders are vaccinated. Currently, 48.8 percent of Michiganders aged 16 and older have been vaccinated. The State projects that the 55 percent vaccination benchmark may be met as early as next week, paving the way to eliminate limitations on in-person work in mid- to late-May. However, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) may delay this change if new cases remain greater than 250 cases per million as a 7-day average in a particular region. The current 7-day average is 439.3 cases per million.

(click for larger version of inforgraphic)

Governor Whitmer also noted that a revised Gatherings and Face Mask Order will be released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) tomorrow to relax outdoor gathering limits and align the state with new guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; see related story below).

Return-to-Office Workgroup Releases Recommendations

Michigan’s Return-to-Office Workgroup has released its recommendations for a phased return to in-person office work. The Workgroup’s recommendations address MIOSHA and MDHHS guidance, office density, operational obstacles, quarantine, isolation and testing guidelines, childcare and caregiving, vaccines, travel and transportation.

The group, comprised of business, labor and public health experts including MMA member companies Dow Chemical Company, Lear Corporation and Steelcase, was formed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in March to inform MIOSHA and MDHHS policies regulating in-person office work.

New & Notable

CDC Updates Facemask Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

The CDC updated their guidance regarding the various activities that fully vaccinated people may participate in without having to wear a facemask. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two–dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks after they have received a single–dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson / Janssen).

MMA members should continue to follow existing MIOSHA Emergency Rules and MDHHS Emergency Orders (available on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources page). While the CDC continues to update their guidance, local health departments and MIOSHA will continue to have jurisdiction over the workplace.

On-Site COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Available

Help drive vaccine engagement with employees and accelerate our economic recovery by hosting an on-site COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at your facility.

Meijer: read more here and contact clinic@meijer.com
Walgreens: https://wagsoutreach.com/COVID-Contact-Us
Rite Aid: Contact shytrice.l.yearby@riteaid.com

Contact your local health department

All Michiganders 16 and Up
Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

As of 4/5/21, all Michiganders age 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

To find a site in your county, go to How To Get The Safe, Effective Vaccine and check the website of your local health department.
You can also check with local pharmacies: Rite Aid, Meijer, Kroger, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, SpartanNash (Topco) and Cardinal (with Snyder).
Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
To register for the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, go to West Michigan Vaccine Clinic (spectrumhealth.org).
To register for the Regional Community Vaccination Site at Ford Field in Detroit go to clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021 or text End COVID to 75049.

Resources for Manufacturers

Stay updated and compliant with the many changes imposed over the last few weeks. Find state, federal and member resources on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources.