A digest from local, state and federal official press releases concerning the progress of prevention and treatment for COVID-19. For current and up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Monday

– The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department opened a call center to assist in answering questions from the community. The call center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is (906) 487-5545.

– Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced at a press conference today that all 131 Michigan Secretary of State branch offices will be changing operations to slow the spread of the coronavirus. During the three-week period from Mar. 16 to Apr. 6, branches will only offer services for critical transactions that must be conducted in-person and only by appointment. Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOSAppointments and by calling 888-SOS-MICH.

– The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced a series of closures for several of its state-managed facilities. The Outdoor Adventure Center, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium (Detroit), The Michigan History Museum and Archives of Michigan (Lansing), The Michigan Iron Industry Museum (Negaunee), DNR visitor centers at state parks, and the Oden and Wolf Lake state fish hatchery interpretive centers will be closed to the public March 14-April 13. These are closed-door facilities that draw large numbers (over 100) of people during the day.

– The following visitor restrictions have been implemented at UPHS – Portage per Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order: Effective immediately and continuing through Apr. 5, all health care facilities must prohibit any visitors entering their facility that are not necessary for the provision of medical care, the support of activities of daily living, or the exercise of power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for an individual under the facility’s care; Are not a parent, foster parent, or guardian of an individual who is 21 years of age or under who is under the facility’s care; Are not visiting an individual under the facility’s care that is in serious or critical condition or in hospice care; And are not visiting under exigent circumstances or for the purpose of performing official government functions.

– Effective immediately, UPPCO is suspending shutoffs for non-payment through April 5, 2020 for income eligible customers. In addition, Customers that are enrolled in UPPCO’s Senior Winter Protection program have had their end dates extended automatically through May 3, 2020. Customers who are significantly impacted by COVID-19 – those with a sudden loss of income or medical condition – as well as our vulnerable senior citizens, are encouraged to contact us at 906.449.2013 or dial “2-1-1” from anywhere in the Upper Peninsula to determine eligibility for payment assistance programs.

– To prevent the spread of the virus and provide the most appropriate care to the communities we serve, Aspirus has established a call center for people concerned they might be infected with COVID-19. The dedicated line will be operational and staffed by live operators beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. The phone lines will be staffed 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekends. Operators will direct callers to the closest regional testing location if they need to see a medical professional. The call center number is (844)568-0701.

– The Charter Township of Portage will operate our office from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday-Thursday, provided that our staff are healthy and available to work. Our doors will be closed to the public. We will meet with people on the phone at 906-482-4310, via email at supervisor@charterportagetwp.org, clerk@charterportagetwp.org, treasurer@charterportagetwp.org, assessor@charterportagetwp.org, or ctpwater@charterportagetwp.org and by appointment if needed. Please call our office if you have any questions or need any community resources.

– Pursuant to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-9 directing dine-in services of all bars and restaurants to close by 3 p.m. today, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) reminds its 19,000 liquor licensees to strictly adhere to this order, or be subject to penalties of the Liquor Code, including suspension or possible loss of their liquor license.

– Michigan Technological University will extend online classes through the end of the spring semester and is working on a “creative solution” to spring commencement, President Richard Koubek said in a release Monday.

– The Michigan Tech Student Development Complex, Gates Tennis Center and Systems Control Nordic Waxing Center at the Recreation Trails closed at 3 p.m. Monday because of the coronavirus pandemic. The SDC closures include the multipurpose room, fitness center, fitness studios, swimming pool, MacInnes Student Ice Arena, racquetball courts, locker rooms and saunas. The release said the SDC’s academic and business offices, including the ticket office, common areas, labs and research areas remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Michigan Tech trails also remain open.

– The KBIC Health System will be open daily 9:00a.m. – 6:30p.m. while monitoring the COVID-19 situation. As a precaution all people entering the health center will be evaluated for COVID-19. Any person suspected of being infected with COVID-19 will be tested. Please call 353-8700 before coming in for an appointment, to schedule a visit or if you have health concerns and would like to speak with a healthcare worker.

Tuesday

– The Unemployment Insurance Agency and Michigan Works! Agencies are strongly urging workers to avoid visiting their statewide offices and utilize user-friendly online resources for unemployment assistance.  Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits at Michigan.gov/UIA  or by calling 1-866-500-0017.

-The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced that an online map has been developed for families to find locations where meals are being provided during this period of school closure. The map can be found at: https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/, and will be updated twice each day during the closure period.

– Hancock Public Schools will be providing free breakfast/lunch meals starting Wednesday, March 18. Parents and guardians are welcome to pick up food for all children 18 years old and under. Meals must be preordered by completing the Google Sign-Up Form via the accompanying link, or by calling the respective High School, Middle School or Elementary offices. The form can be found at http://bit.ly/2vtUsaN.

– Bishop John Doerfler of the Diocese of Marquette has suspended public Masses in the diocese, which covers Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through April 5, 2020. All Catholics are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass during this time.

– In accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is postponing a public hearing on the proposed applications for the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill Air Permit. The informational session and public hearing were scheduled for Wednesday, Mar. 18, at the Westwood High School Auditorium, 200 Westwood Drive, Ishpeming. The public comment period remains open and interested parties are encouraged to present written views on the proposed projects.

– The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter has announced free online support groups in the coming weeks to help offer caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia social interaction, educational information and support as the world addresses the COVID-19 outbreak. The below Dial-in Support Groups are open to anyone in the state of Michigan: Wednesday, Mar. 18 10 to 11 a.m.; Wednesday, Mar. 25 6 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Apr. 15 10 to 11 a.m.; Wednesday, Apr. 22 6 to 7 p.m.; The dial-in number for the meetings is 312-757-3121, and the access code is 294-847-693.

– The Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools will be participating in the federal program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to our students (age 18 and under) who are in need during the school closure, Mar. 16 through Apr. 5. The meals are free to all students. Meals are for the week and must be pre-ordered. You may do so by completing a Google form at www.lakelinden.k12.mi.us/ or contacting the Food Service Department via email at drheault@lakelinden.k12.mi.us. You may also reach the LLHS Food Service Department by calling (906) 296-6211 (choose option #4 from the menu and then #5 for Food Service). Please leave a voicemail if you call. Only those who have signed up by the deadlines will be guaranteed meals.

– The city of Hancock has canceled all non-essential meetings. This includes meetings of all City boards and committees scheduled between now and April 6, unless the meetings are critical in nature. This does not apply to the City Council meetings. The Hancock Transit will be operating on a scaled down-schedule and will provide service for essential needs only. Residents and City staff are urged to limit in-person interactions and to utilize the drop box on the east side of City Hall, email and phone (906)482-2720 – options whenever possible.

– Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-10 to temporarily expand eligibility for unemployment benefits. This executive order is effective immediately and until Tuesday, Apr. 14. Under the governor’s order, unemployment benefits would be extended to: 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. The State is also seeking solutions for self-employed workers and independent contractors who traditionally do not have access to unemployment insurance. The normal in-person registration and work search requirements will be suspended.

– Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today extended the hours of operation for her Consumer Protection intake team as the number of price-gouging complaints received by her office surges. Phonelines will be open until 11 p.m. today and Tuesday. The extended hours will be evaluated on a daily basis and continued if necessary to meet demands. The consumer tip line is generally open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

– Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-11, to prohibit all events over 50 people or assemblages in shared indoor spaces over 50 people beginning Tuesday, Mar. 17 at 9 a.m. This order provides an exception from its prohibition on assemblages for health care facilities, workplaces not open to the public, the state legislature, mass transit, the purchase of groceries or consumer goods, and the performance of agricultural or construction work.

– Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-12, temporarily lifting weight and other delivery-related restrictions for vehicles carrying essential supplies to mitigate the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The executive order is effective immediately and extends until Monday, Apr. 13 at 11:59 p.m.

– The Salvation Army of Hancock is suspending Sunday Worship Services until further notice. We are also shortening our office hours for the food pantry due to the recent developments regarding COVID 19. Our Food Pantry will be available MON/WEDS/FRI 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will get people in and out as quickly as possible. If you have other needs, please call the office to set an appointment. For more information contact: Brenda DeLacy at 906-482-3420.

– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be closing the information lobbies at all Michigan Welcome Centers until further notice. At locations where it is possible, restrooms will remain open to the public. A contact phone number will be posted at each location for visitors who need additional information. For travel information, visit Michigan.gov/Drive.

– The Michigan Department of Civil Rights will close all offices to walk-in traffic, effective immediately until further notice. Individuals who have an appointment will be admitted to the Department’s offices. Any individual who wishes to file a complaint of unlawful discrimination or request information can do so online at Michigan.gov/MDCR, by email at MDCR-INFO@michigan.gov, or by calling 1-800-482-3604.

– The Ojibwa Casino announced nightly closings from 2:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. beginning March 18, 2020. Further updates will be posted to their website, ojibwacasino.com.

– SEMCO announced that it is suspending customer disconnections and waiving late fees for anyone unable to pay their monthly natural gas bill. If you are concerned about your gas service or struggling to pay your bill, please contact SEMCO at 1-800-624-2019.