First-term Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s national profile is rising, along with criticisms about her stay-at-home order and handling of the coronavirus. Internal documents show state workers spent weekends preparing but Whitmer acknowledges some regret: “If I could go back in time, would I have started stockpiling N-95 masks? Absolutely.”
Coronavirus Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As Michigan fights coronavirus, hospitals gush money and workers lose jobs
From metropolitan health systems to independent rural hospitals, hospital budgets are taking big financial hits as surgeries and other money making medical procedures are put on hold.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Detroit food banks overrun by coronavirus demand
Despite adding capacity, food banks throughout Michigan are running out of food, crushed by the hunger created by the pandemic’s economic strain.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
McLaren Medical to furlough many of its 500 doctors, health practitioners
The CEO said the pandemic has significantly affected operations but did not say how many employees would face shortened hours.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Oakland County scouts ice rinks for potential storage of coronavirus remains
Oakland County is scouting ice rinks to store bodies during the coronavirus pandemic if its morgue runs out of space, county officials said Wednesday.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
‘Operation Gridlock’ protest of Gov. Whitmer stay-home order jams Lansing
SLIDESHOW: Hundreds of cars descend on downtown Lansing to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-home order. Protesters say the new limits go too far and infringe on liberties. Whitmer says they’re necessary to save lives.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Detroit Medical Center to furlough 480 employees during coronavirus crisis
The eight-hospital system, like others, blames the cancellation of more lucrative non-emergency procedures during the COVID-19 surge for its cash-flow problems. It did not say what workers are affected.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Beaumont sidelines one hospital site as coronavirus surge stalls
That slowing of coronavirus cases has prompted the state’s largest hospital system to reassess staffing and space.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Coronavirus could drain Michigan unemployment fund within months
The crush of 1 million new claims is rapidly depleting Michigan’s unemployment fund, which could force the state to borrow money. Jobless workers would still get checks, but Michigan may have to raise business taxes to repay the debt, slowing any recovery.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan nurses getting fat pay raises or pink slips in coronavirus crisis
As hospitals in COVID-19 hotspots are in a bidding war for critical care nurses while laying off others, experts say a mismatch of labor needs and supply during the pandemic has serious consequences.