Building Bridges Newsletter
Michigan Executive Office of the Governor sent this bulletin at 06/03/2021 01:00 PM EDT
Dear Michigander,It’s a new day in Michigan. Recently, we took an important step in our Vacc to Normal plan. For each of us, this past year and a half has been difficult. We’ve drawn strength in our unity as Michiganders. With every vaccine administered, we are emerging from the pandemic. That being said, it’s important to continue to know what safety precautions are still required, so that we can finish this pandemic safely and give each other grace as we transition back to normalcy.So, I wanted to start off this newsletter by sharing more information with you about both the updated Vacc To Normal plan and the new Epidemic Order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that went into effect June 1st.Updated Vacc to Normal Plan & June 1 MDHHS Epidemic OrderYou may have heard of the Vacc to Normal Plan my administration released in late April, outlining intermediate goals for our state to meet as we work to vaccinate eligible Michiganders. With the Centers for Disease Control releasing new guidance on masks for vaccinated persons, we had to go ‘vacc’ to the drawing board. The CDC guidance states that vaccinated persons no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, except for certain settings. We have adjusted our mask policy accordingly—now fully vaccinated Michiganders no longer need to wear a mask outdoors or indoors, unless required by their work or the establishment they’re visiting. We also recalibrated our Vacc to Normal Plan so that it is composed of two steps, the first of which we took on June 1st. Under the new MDHHS Epidemic Order, outdoor capacity limits are lifted, and capacity limits for indoor gatherings increase to 50%. People who are not fully vaccinated must continue to mask up indoors, but weddings, funerals, and other indoor gatherings can occur at 50% capacity through June. The curfew for bars and restaurants also ended June 1st. MDHHS Epidemic OrderFrequently Asked QuestionsIn July, we will take the final step in the Vacc to Normal plan. We will lift the broad mask and gathering. orders and will no longer impose broad mitigation measures, unless unanticipated circumstances arise. We may have targeted orders to protect vulnerable populations. But we will be able to sing in church, cheer in crowded stadiums, laugh together, and hug our loved ones.Vaccination UpdateOur effort to vaccinate as many eligible Michiganders as possible continues. We have made a lot of progress recently, especially with the opening up of Pfizer vaccine eligibility to Michiganders aged 12 to 15. Tens of thousands of 12-15 year-olds have received the Pfizer vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan.  As you can see, we have less than a million Michiganders over the age of 16 to vaccinate in order to reach our goal of 70%. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about getting the safe, effective shot. To find a vaccine near you, click on the button below. Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near YouSearch for VaccineExpanding High Speed Internet Access and AffordabilityAs we emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to jumpstarting our economy and making sure that Michigan families are on the path to success. Today, I issued Executive Directive 2021-02 to help bridge the digital divide by establishing the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible. With high-speed internet becoming a necessity in our educational, professional, and personal lives, the new office will be dedicated to coordinating and advancing the State’s efforts to ensure that every home and business in our state has access to an affordable, reliable high-speed connection that meets their needs and the skills to use it effectively. My administration will continue to develop and share programs that put dollars directly in the pockets of parents, workers, small businesses, caregivers, and more. Today I also wanted to share one exciting new program that does just that. A great number of families in our state are eligible to enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, a Federal Communications Commission initiative that launched on May 12, 2021, to help make high-speed internet more affordable. I encourage you to visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or call 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week to learn more about whether you qualify for this program and how to enroll. You can also contact your current internet provider and apply directly through them if they are participating in the program.In Other NewsGov. Whitmer Announces New MI Clean Water Grants to Upgrade Water Systems Throughout MichiganGov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Sign Proclamation Marking June as Pride MonthGovernor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Release Video on Memorial DayDownload the MI COVID Alert app today! Track vaccination efforts throughout the state using the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. |
