Public health workers who become ill, people who need to take time off to care for children and others are now eligible for unemployment in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday.

She signed an executive order that goes into effect immediately and runs through April 14. It expands the guidelines for unemployment to make the following people eligible:

Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, including those who have childcare responsibilities due to school closures, or those who are forced to care for loved ones who become ill.

Workers who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off.

First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.

As part of the changes, Whitmer is increasing benefits from 20 to 26 weeks, increasing the eligibility period from 14 to 28 days and waiving the requirements for in-person registration and work search.

In addition, the state is “seeking solutions” for self-employed workers and independent contractors who aren’t typically able to access unemployment benefits, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“While we work together to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, we must do everything we can to help working families,” Whitmer said in a press release.

“This executive order will provide immediate relief to those who can’t go to work, and who rely on their paycheck to put food on the table for themselves and their families. I urge everyone to make smart choices at this time, and to do everything in their power to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

The order also specifies employers will not be charged for unemployment benefits if their employees become unemployed due to an executive order from Whitmer.

Earlier Monday, she ordered bars and restaurants shut down to dine-in customers. Through an executive order she also closed businesses including performance venues, fitness facilities, theaters and spas starting at 3 p.m. Monday.

Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber lauded the expansion of unemployment benefits.

“At a time of unprecedented global crisis, Gov. Whitmer has been providing real leadership. Working people and their families need support from their state now more than ever, so it’s great to see concrete, decisive action from our Governor that will make a big difference for folks and provide tremendous help while they’re struggling through this crisis,” Bieber said.

People can file for unemployment benefits online or by calling 1-866-500-0017.

Workers can access a guide to applying for unemployment benefits here or more information about applying here. Information for employers is available here.

The governor is also pursuing two pieces of federal assistance:

- She informed the U.S. Small Business Administration she is seeking a Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration, which would allow small businesses to access low-interest loans.

- She requested President Donald Trump issue a Major Disaster Declaration, which would let the Federal Emergency Management Agency step in with individual assistance and disaster unemployment assistance for Michiganders affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan has 53 cases of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. That’s up from two initially announced last Tuesday.

Coronavirus symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include fever, cough and shortness of breath. For most, the symptoms are mild, but it poses a serious danger to others.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen 1,621 cases and 41 deaths.

As she’s led the state’s coronavirus response, Whitmer has referenced the state’s workers and the impact of her decisions on them, including when she closed all K-12 school buildings.

“I know this will be a tough time for our parents and educators, and I urge businesses to do everything they can to support employees at this time,” she said last Thursday at a press conference announcing the school closings.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· 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.

For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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