Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state’s top medical and school leaders announced the new cases, which brings Michigan’s total to 12. The state also is closing schools for three weeks to slow the illness.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers health care and aging for Bridge Michigan, focusing on a state that is aging faster than most. She has led investigations tracking opioid settlement money and health care worker shortages, and previously spent six years at the Detroit Free Press covering the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She holds a master's degree from Lourdes University in Toledo.
Robin and her husband raised two children in southeast Michigan — and have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Coronavirus is here. And Michigan’s public health system is underfunded.
Michigan has the lowest rate of public health funding in the Midwest, and local governments may strain to provide other services in the wake of the coronavirus.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Cow dung won’t stop coronavirus and you can open Amazon boxes from China
Cons and conspiracies abound in Michigan as residents brace for coronavirus. Now would also be a good time to tell you not to drink bleach.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Judge blocks Michigan’s Medicaid work rules in victory for Gretchen Whitmer
A federal judge’s decision to halt the Medicaid work law in Michigan follows the suspension of such laws elsewhere. Tens of thousands of residents had failed to follow its reporting requirements
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
State 'may not have' needed supplies if coronavirus spreads in Michigan
The state’s top doctor says Michigan has enough supplies “for now,” but is limited in specialized masks and other items if coronavirus hits. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activates emergency center in “abundance of caution.”
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan schools scramble to plan for a potential coronavirus outbreak
Would schools close for weeks at a time? Would lessons be online? What if a student travels overseas? Michigan districts are creating protocols on the fly to address a possible outbreak.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How to prepare for coronavirus in Michigan. Step 1: Breathe
Health experts say the COVID-19 coronavirus is on its way. As hospitals and health systems prepare, simple steps can help protect you and your loved ones.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As U.S. braces for coronavirus, Detroit hospital sets up 5 patient rooms
A CDC official said the virus’s spread to the United States is inevitable, which is why Michigan officials are preparing as they battle flu cases. In one Detroit hospital ‘negative pressure rooms’ await patients.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Gretchen Whitmer asks to stop Michigan Medicaid work rules; 80,000 at risk
80,000 Michiganders who must report to work — or prove to the state why they can’t — have until Saturday to file reports, according to the governor’s office. The state GOP stands behind the work rules.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
For weary Michigan seniors, a retirement in name only
Kicking back is not an option for a growing number of residents over 60, who increasingly find themselves caring for very old parents or very young grandchildren. “We’re getting old and we’re not dying.”