Legislator: Time to act is now to save lives, mitigate spread

State Rep. Douglas Wozniak, of Shelby Township, 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. Eight of those 65 positive cases are in Macomb County.

“It’s time to mobilize state government to assist people in Macomb County and throughout the state, including our senior citizen population which is most vulnerable to this virus,” said Wozniak, who serves on the House Health Policy Committee. “While we work in Lansing to help get people testing and care, it’s also important for people to do their part by implementing practices recommended by health care and disease experts.”

Prevention steps that can help avoid being exposed to the virus 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.

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