By WKTV Staff
The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.
We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from April 3-4 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.
State takes action to protect quarantined workers rights
Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week signed an executive order prohibiting all employers from “discharging, disciplining, or otherwise retaliating against an employee for staying home from work if they or one of their close contacts tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms of the disease,” the order states.
“People who are prioritizing the health and safety of their families, neighbors, and loved ones during this crisis should not be punished by their workplace,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Staying home and staying safe is one of the most important things we can do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, and this executive order will ensure more people can do so without facing discrimination from their workplace.”
Most state parks are open, but there are restrictions
A vast majority of State of Michigan parks and recreation areas, state-managed trails and boating access sites remain open to provide local opportunities to get outdoors, but most locations have modified services or closed amenities. And the situation could change if there are abuses of social distancing and crowd avoidance requirements.
Recently, according to a state press release, Tippy Dam Recreation Area in Manistee County was closed until further notice due to high numbers of visitors, lack of improper social distancing and people traveling long distances to reach the park.
“In order to continue to keep state parks and trails open, we expect everyone to follow effective social distancing practices, to not litter and not travel long distances to enjoy the outdoors,” Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said in supplied material. “If concerns continue to build, the DNR will have to look at closing or further limiting access to our state-designated trails, state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations.”
Other April 3-4 releases, listed by headlines and with links, include:
Attorney General acting against businesses selling fake COVID-19 test kits
State teams up with Detroit sports teams to support health care volunteers
State requires funeral homes, doctors to report COVID-19 deaths faster
Senior meal programs can deliver to COVID-19 shut-ins safely
Cease and desist letter sent to car wash for violations of COVID-19 restructions
