Virus Information
Community and State Information
Virus Information
I Think I Have Been Exposed to Coronavirus
Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings The CDC is now recommending that we all cover our faces in public because of the significant number of carriers who show no symptoms. They stress that N95 and surgical masks are critical supplies that should be reserved for medical staff. This link includes a video of how to make your own cloth mask.
Government Information Sources
Flattening the Curve UM blog post sent by MDHHS
Information for Families
WHO Q&A on COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
March of Dimes Coronavirus Disease: What You Need to Know About Its Impact on Moms and Babies
Zero to Thrive and Zero to Three Information for families and mental health
MDHHS Communicating with Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Nine Podcasts About COVID-19 for Children Ages Five to 12
Another COVID-19 Front line: Parents of children with disabilities
Information for Other Communities
Coronavirus Anxiety - Helpful Expert Tips and Resources
getasthmahelp.org Coronavirus information for those with asthma
Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans need to know
Check on MiVet connecting veterans to all of the benefits that are available to them.
Region VII Area Agency on Aging for senior services.
Community and State Information
Sanilac County Health COVID-19 Map
MDHHS Epidemic Order Infographic
MDHHS Epidemic Order Fact Sheet
High court strikes down Whitmer's emergency powers; gov vows to use other means. This Detroit News article contains useful information and a full transcript of the Supreme Court’s decision. It is unclear exactly what this means for us moving forward and may be dependent on the governor requesting a rehearing, as well as the outcomes of other state and federal cases. House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake say that the Legislature stands ready to deliberate in a bipartisan way on pandemic response. Shirkey continues, "This ruling does not alter our collective responsibility to protect ourselves and others by wearing masks, social distancing, and washing our hands. The virus still presents a threat to our health and we must be vigilant in our actions.”
In her Statement from Governor Whitmer on Michigan Supreme Court Ruling on Emergency Powers, Governor Whitmer argues that this ruling will not take effect until after her time to request a rehearing, 21 days, and until then her “emergency declaration and orders retain the force of law.” She continues, “many of the responsive measures I have put in place to control the spread of the virus will continue under alternative sources of authority that were not at issue in today’s ruling.”
AG Press Secretary Issues Statement Regarding Michigan Supreme Court's Recent Decision which clarifies "the Attorney General will no longer enforce the Governor’s Executive Orders through criminal prosecution. However, her decision is not binding on other law enforcement agencies or state departments with independent enforcement authority."
MDHHS issues Emergency Order designed to protect the health and safety of all Michiganders Directive restricts gatherings, requires face coverings, limits bars and other venues.
The Michigan moratorium on evictions has been lifted. Rental assistance is available through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Eviction Diversion Program (EDP).
Michigan to allow people with food assistance to buy food online through Walmart and Amazon. Delivery costs are not covered in SNAP benefits, but Walmart has curbside and Amazon is offering free delivery on orders over $35.
Contact Tracing has begun and the state will be calling people known to have been exposed. If you get a call from 866-806-3447, MI COVID HELP or your local health department please answer. You may also receive a text from 25051 prior to the call.
You can find testing sites by calling 1-888-535-6136 or visit michigan.gov/coronavirustest.
MI Safe Start Plan and MI Safe Start Map
Coronavirus Legislation and Resource Guide from the office of Paul Mitchell.
National Lifeline Program Consumer Alert to ensure Michiganders who are now unemployed due to COVID-19 and qualify for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program are aware of a newly simplified application process. The Lifeline program is in place to provide low-income subscribers with a discount on monthly telephone, broadband internet, or voice-broadband bundled services purchased from participating providers.
Futures for Frontliners Program was just announced to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who don’t have a college degree. In addition, the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP) has increased the amount it will provide for education credits toward associate’s and bachelor’s degree work. And don't forget about the Michigan Reconnect Grant Program that passed in March. This program is for Michigan residents age 25 and older with a high school degree or equivalent seeking their first associate's degree or certificate in the skilled trades. The program would cover tuition costs after all other financial aid is applied.
The Division of HIV and STD Programs has developed a mail-order condom distribution program for Michigan residents at no cost. In order to get condoms delivered, a person must send an email with their name and mailing address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Michiganders can now text "RESTORE" to Crisis Text Line By texting the keyword RESTORE to 741741, Michigan residents can have a confidential text conversation with a crisis counselor 24/7.
Michigan's COVID-19 Hotline Now Offers Free, Confidential Emotional Support Counseling available 24/7 at no cost to Michiganders who call the state’s COVID-19 hotline 888-535-6136. Press "8" to speak with a Michigan Stay Well counselor. The counselors, though not licensed professionals, have received specialized training from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Technical Assistance Center on how to provide emotional support to residents of federally declared disaster areas.
MDHHS Warmline has been launched to aid those struggling with mental health issues. The warmline will connect individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers. They are available 7 days a week, 10am-2am by calling 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753). Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
Michigan's Health Insurers Agree to Provide Coronavirus Treatment at No Cost to Patients People will not be charged cost-sharing for coronavirus-related medical treatment, such as primary care visits, laboratory testing, emergency room visits, ambulance services, and FDA-approved medications and vaccines. Check their full list of companies participating.
Michiganders who lose a job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Visit healthcare.gov. Have questions? Visit the Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program, call 877-999-6442, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Call 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected to a list of statewide resources for everything from food and diapers to rental assistance. You can also search the 211 online database.
Those with home loans through the USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan are eligible for 180 days forbearance and an additional 180 days extension. Initial forbearance must be approved by October 30, 2020. Check with your mortgage issuer for more information.
MI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Cancels Food & Ag Housing Town Halls. Individuals interested in offering feedback about housing should take the Housing Survey.
All Executive Orders and Directives
