Coronavirus in Michigan: Don’t Panic. Here’s What We Know.

101.9 WDET, Detroit’s NPR Station, is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information on coronavirus, and it’s related disease COVID-19, in Michigan. Most people are not expected to contract COVID-19, but due to an abundance of caution, as indicated by state officials, WDET wants to make sure our audience is getting reliable, accurate information from a trusted source on an issue that they are concerned about.

Here is what you should doing:

• Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
• Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).
• It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

Find Accurate, Reliable Information

What’s Happening Now?

Last updated, 10:30 am, April 3, 2020. This post is no longer being updated to reflect current circumstances. See all WDET’s coverage here.

• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is keeping Michigan school buildings closed until the end of the school year in June. Find nutrition and activities for kids in metro Detroit. 
• Whitmer has ordered all non-essential businesses to close and Michiganders to “stay at home” in a new executive order through at least April 13. Schools will remain closed until then as well. View the full order here.
• Whitmer has halted water shutoffs in the state during the pandemic and started a $2 million relief fund to start help localities reconnect water for residents, reports ABC.
• Whitmer has suspended evictions until April 17, according to a release.
• Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree has postponed all foreclosures for 2020.
• DTE, Consumers Energy has suspended electrical shutoffs for low-income customers, reports the Detroit Free Press.​
• Detroit is offering a “$25-a-month plan” for customers who have had their water shut-off or received pending shutoff notices. Customers can call 313-386-9727 for more information. The State will cover the first month’s payment.
• Whitmer has waived Medicaid co-pays and cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing. The administration is expanding access to telemedicine for Medicaid beneficiaries, according to a press release from the administration. 
• “Insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Priority Health, Meridian, CVS Health, McLaren, and Health Alliance Plan also announced that they will cover and encourage the use of virtual care and telemedicine, as well as waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing,” according to the same release.

Trade and Transportation Updates

• Goods and food have kept moving around the country along normal supply chains, but that could change if truckers start getting sick, reports WDET’s Russ McNamara. Whitmer has activated the National Guard to assist with any supply chain issues to make sure medical supplies and grocery stores are stocked.
• D-DOT buses are still operating during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order on a reduced schedule, free fares and additional cleaning and safety measures. See the current schedule
• SMART is still operating during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order on a reduced schedule with additional cleaning and safety measures, including ​stopping collection of fares, requiring rear enter/exit and up to twice a day sanitization for buses. See the current schedule or call SMART Customer Service representatives at (866) 962-5515, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The US-Canada border is closing to non-essential traffic through an agreement between the two countries, according the White House.
• Whitmer has temporarily lifted weight and other delivery-related restrictions on trucks carrying essential supplies to fight the spread of coronavirus, according to a release. The lift extends until Monday, April 13.