State Rep. Jack O’Malley, of Lake Ann, today voted in favor of a new emergency budget plan adding another $125 million to help the state of Michigan and local communities respond to coronavirus.

The measures bring the total state funding approved to $150 million, including the $25 million approved by the Legislature last week. The plan will provide $50 million for immediate needs such as virus monitoring and testing, $50 million for critical health care providers to expand capacity for coronavirus response, and $50 million to keep in reserve for when necessary.

The measure also will make it easier to use federal assistance related to coronavirus. The total amount of confirmed cases statewide rose to 65 on Tuesday, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. One case was recently announced in Leelanau County, which O’Malley serves as part of the 101st Michigan House district.

“The data we’ve been getting the past few days is showing a steady amount of what medical experts are referring to as ‘community spread’ as it relates to the virus. I imagine as we go forward it will spread to nearly every county in the state,” O’Malley said. “So we need to make sure that all of our areas across Michigan are prepared for what they may face – and we needed to get it done now. This includes having the proper resources to address this public health emergency so we can start to nip this thing in the bud.

“There may eventually be a need for additional funding and I am open to that discussion, but I am in favor of appropriating as needed as we did today. There needs to be help, but it has to be thought-out, tactical spending.”

O’Malley underscored key preventative measures that one can take to help avoid being exposed to the virus. They include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoiding contact with people who are sick.

• If you are sick, staying home, and avoiding contact with others.

• Staying at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.

“These are some simple, common-sense steps that can help mitigate spread,” O’Malley said. “That’s what it’s about at this point. The medical professionals have given us some good tips to protect ourselves and we can protect others at the same time by implementing them.”

Reliable information about COVID-19 can be found at www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus and www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

###