Special online gift guide has suggestions for shoppers

A group of hospital and business leaders are holding a virtual briefing Thursday to urge Michiganders to get vaccinated as COVID cases and hospitalizations rise.

House Bill 4471 is opposed by seven major business and health groups.

House Bill 4471 is opposed by seven major business and health groups.

Show off your Michigan pride by supporting the businesses that give Tree Town its spirit.

Varchasvi Shankar had some downtime during the pandemic, so he used it to expand his dream, creating a new Michigan made bourbon.

Michigan is dialing back its COVID-19 workplace rules as the state prepares to fully reopen.

With COVID-19 restrictions expiring Tuesday in Michigan, businesses are feeling the crunch to hire more workers.

The mask mandate in Michigan is now lifted, which those who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear a mask outside or inside.

Michigan will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and lift the mask mandate for those who are fully vaccinated starting Saturday, May 15.

Michigan has extended its workplace emergency rules that require remote working when possible and enforce other COVID-19 safety measures at businesses.

Gretchen Whitmer said she’s not actively considering new restrictions as COVID cases continue to surge in the state. March 26, 2021: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 647,899; Death toll now at 16,004For businesses operating at 50% capacity, the rise in numbers is cause for concern. “I mean as far as the numbers going up, it’s scary,” said Nick Waligora, manager at Pitaya. “As far cases are going up, the number of vaccinated people are also going up,” said Joel Padilla. AdHe believes the focus should be on boosting vaccine distribution, rather than increasing restrictions.

DETROIT – In addition to the nearly 16,000 COVID-related deaths in Michigan over the last year, we know the pandemic has been devastating to businesses. AdThere have been a few bright spots with some businesses seeing an uptick in businesses due to the pandemic. Dimitri Polychronou owns Earl’s Dry Cleaning. People have been great to work with during this pandemic,” Millen said. AdThe majority of locally-owned businesses have really struggled, but there is hope of things improving as vaccine distribution expands.

All rights reserved)Michigan has cited 16 businesses for failing to follow safety precautions that protect workers from COVID-19, state officials said. Emergency rule citations are for businesses that resume in-person work and fail to have written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan or don’t provide adequate training to their employees. Total penalties, including other workplace violations, were $7,200. Location: WixomFine amount: $2,800Violations:Not developing and implementing a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan. Click here to view a full list of MIOSHA COVID-19 workplace safety citations.

MARQUETTE, Mich. – A Michigan business has had its liquor licenses and permits suspended because it didn’t require masks, exceeded the capacity limit and stayed open past curfew, according to the state. The maximum capacity allowed for indoor dining is 25%, and a 10 p.m. curfew was installed. Michigan officials accuse the Wooden Nickel, at 1751 Presque Isle Avenue in Marquette, of violating several COVID-19 indoor dining rules. According to the state, the company allowed non-residential indoor gatherings, failed to require cave coverings for staff members and patrons, exceeded the 25% capacity limit and allowed indoor dining after 10 p.m. Since September, the state has suspended the liquor licenses of 40 businesses for alleged violations of COVID-19 emergency orders.

DETROIT – The state of Michigan has suspended the liquor licenses of 41 businesses for violating various COVID-19 safety rules. Odyssey EntertainmentLocation: 700 East Broadway Avenue in Muskegon HeightsDate of suspension: Aug. 26, 2020The Commission ordered an emergency suspension of the Class C License. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM liquor licenses and Sunday sales (p.m.) permit. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM licenses and permit for Sunday sales (p.m.). The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM licenses and permit for Sunday sales (p.m.).

(Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan announced Wednesday that $52.5 million will be given to nearly 6,000 small businesses across the state that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will come from the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program, Gov. “The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program provides crucial support to Michigan’s small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Whitmer said. “These grants, combined with additional business relief efforts offered by the MEDC, will create a strong foundation for Michigan’s long-term economic recovery.”The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program allocated $55 million to provide support to Michigan small businesses hurt most by COVID-19 safety orders. Was not a live music and entertainment venue eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival grant program.

If it’s money that talks in politics, then Michigan businesses are speaking loudly. On Thursday, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its political action committee (PAC) is reevaluating who it gives its money too. In 2020, the chamber gave more than $20,000 in donations to candidates on both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Lisa McClain, voted to object the election results in Pennsylvania and Arizona. All of the companies rethinking their donations don’t contribute on their own, rather through action committees or other subsidiaries, but it is their voice in politics. Other major Michigan companies like Lear, Whirlpool and Kellogg’s have not said whether they’ll be suspending donations or changing how they spend their political dollars, but pressure is on.

All rights reserved)LANSING, Mich. – Eight Michigan businesses have been cited for COVID-19 safety violations, including a fire department, a public school district, Twin Peaks in Livonia and a Lapeer diner with 11 violations. Here are the businesses and the violations cited by the state:Memphis Fire DepartmentLocation: Memphis, MichiganFine: $2,000Violations:Not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that helps guide protective actions against COVID-19. Reason for inspection: Employee complaint. Reason for inspection: Employee complaintClick here to view the full citation document. Reason for inspection: Employee complaintClick here to view the full citation document.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan health officials have issued citations to 13 businesses due to violations of the COVID-19 order put in place by the Department of Health and Human Services. “We continue to see improvements in the numbers, and we know that the public health orders we have put in place are working. “The number of cases, the positivity rate, and hospital capacity have declined in recent weeks, taking stress off our hospitals and health care workers,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive at MDHHS. “We will continue to monitor the data and assess for any potential surges in cases after the holidays. Most food service establishments like restaurants and bars have helped play a critical role in the existing decline by following the order.”

DETROIT – There could be some good news on the horizon in terms of reopening schools and getting back to normal. During a Harvard webinar, Dr. Anthony Fauci told a group that transmission in schools is lower than originally thought. Read: Michigan high schools allowed to reopen today as part of revised COVID order“When you look at it, the number of children getting it is less than you would have expected, which is good news for keeping the children in school,” Fauci said. “If it spreads in the school, the kids brings it home, parent brings it to work and spreads it there,” Sims said. “We have teachers who are ill, teachers quarantined from home and there’s a substitute shortage,” Roberts said.

As the vaccine rollout continues, many people are excited that 2020 is finally in the past. While that doesn’t mean coronavirus disappeared at midnight, experts are weighing in when it’s realistic to expect things to get back to normal. He said mask wearing, social distancing and other precautions will stay in place until at least 70% of the population is vaccinated. Those things will affect how long it takes to reach broad public immunity.”The same thoughts are held on a national level too. Dr. Anthony Fauci said masks, social distancing and other precautions will have to stay in place until the majority of people are vaccinated.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)Five Michigan businesses have been fined for violating COVID-19 safety rules and putting workers at risk, state officials said. Here are the five businesses, including how much they were fined and what the violations entailed. Not developing and enforcing policies and procedures for employees to report when they are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID19. Reason for inspection: Employee complaintClick here to view the full citation document. Not posting signs at the store entranceReason for inspection: Employee complaintClick here to view the full citation document.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – In midst of Michigan’s current COVID-19 restrictions, many Metro Detroit businesses are utilizing outdoor dining this holiday season. While there is a Christmas atmosphere at the Village of Rochester Hills, things are different such as visiting Santa Claus by appointment at a 6-foot distance. Meanwhile, outdoor dining popped up this week at many of the restaurants at the Village. “We’ve got all of the Christmas lights up. While it may be a different feel, people are still excited that it’s the holidays,” said Zach Carlson with Kruse & Muer.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued emergency suspensions of the liquor licenses and permits for an additional eight businesses across Michigan. Since September 2020, the MLCC has suspended liquor licenses of a total of 21 establishments located throughout the state for violations of the COVID-19 restrictions. The MLCC issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C liquor license and permits for Sunday Sales (P.M.), Dance-Entertainment, Additional Bar, and Catering. The MLCC issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant liquor licenses, and permits for Sunday Sales (P.M.), Dance, and Outdoor Service. The MLCC issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant liquor licenses, and permits for Sunday Sales (A.M and P.M.), Dance, and Outdoor Service.

Nine Michigan businesses have been fined for violating COVID-19 safety rules and putting workers at risk, state officials said. “The employer was also cited for an other-than-serious record keeping violation.”Reason for inspection: Employee complaintClick here to view the full citation document. Not training employees on the steps the employees must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 employees on COVID-19. Reason for inspection: COVID-19 Retail State Emphasis ProgramClick here to view the full citation document. River City Reproductions and GraphicsLocation: KentwoodFine amount: $2,100Violations:Lack of a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.

READ: Michigan doctors urge restaurants to keep customers safe from COVID-19 by avoiding rush to reopenJoe Vicari’s restaurant group has 22 restaurants. With the possibility of another “pause” on the way from Lansing, the Michigan restaurant association predicts that 4,000 will close and 250,000 people will be out of work. Lawyers told restaurants if they open on Dec. 8 they should expect a state liquor agent. Sources told Local 4 that Detroit’s hot new food scene is predicted to close and not reopen. Gretchen Whitmer is hoping for another federal stimulus and a $100 million state stimulus.

Gretchen Whitmer responded Tuesday to restaurant owners who are considering defying state COVID-19 regulations and reopening for indoor dining if the order is extended beyond three weeks. We are stronger if we stand together and use our strength of fight back.”“She decided to close restaurants, again. Here’s what she said in response to the question:“You know, let me just say this: I understand the frustration. “And yet, we know that this virus has taken the lives of over 9,000 people in Michigan. So many of us know someone who’s died or is struggling with COVID-19 or struggling with COVID-19 months after they’ve had it.

Gretchen Whitmer said indoor dining at restaurants has “all the different ingredients” for increased COVID-19 risk. During the governor’s COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, Local 4′s Mara MacDonald asked what it would take for restaurants to be allowed to reopen for indoor dining. Right now, Michigan is in the middle of a three-week “pause” that, among other restrictions, limits restaurants to delivery, take-out and outdoor dining. But Whitmer stood by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, arguing restaurants have the potential to contribute to the spread of COVID-19. “That’s just, unfortunately, all the different ingredients for a higher risk situation.”Whitmer said that’s why the MDHHS order targeted places that involve people from different households being inside together.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have implemented stricter COVID-19 regulations for three weeks, but will the order be extended beyond that timeframe? MORE: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictionsOn Tuesday, during her COVID-19 briefing, Whitmer was asked whether there’s been any talk of extending the pause. “At this point in time, it’s really too early to say precisely where we will be in a few days, much less next week,” Whitmer said. The top priority is to make sure the health system and medical employees are able to keep up with the number of COVID-19 cases, Whitmer said. “That will inform any decision going forward.”Michigan coronavirus data: Tracking case count, cases by county, deaths, cases by age, tests

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s top health official provided a rough timeline of when she hopes a COVID-19 vaccine could be available to the state’s general public. MORE: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictions“We are still working hard on planning for when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available,” Khaldun said. “We are actively working on plans for distribution when these vaccines become available,” Khaldun said. Hopeful vaccine distribution timelineWhen Michigan first receives the vaccine, it will be in very limited quantities, she said. “We hope to be able to have vaccine available to the general public by late spring,” Khaldun said.

LANSING, Mich. – Two of the most common measures of COVID-19 spread in Michigan are showing the state is slowly starting to move in the right direction again, according to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. She said both the case rate and test positivity rate are slightly improving. “Overall, our case rate is now at 608 cases per million people, and has been declining for the past week,” Khaldun said. Khaldun said case rates are above 500 cases per million people in every Michigan region, except for the Traverse City Region. “We will continue to watch these trends, as we have throughout the pandemic, and case rates and test positivity,” she said.

Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents to support local businesses during the holiday season as many of them struggle to survive due to COVID-19 shutdowns. READ: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictionsAs the holiday shopping season rolls around, Whitmer urged Michiganders to keep those businesses in mind. “As we head into the holiday season, I want to remind all Michiganders: If you are shopping for loved ones or friends or neighbors, strongly consider supporting businesses in your community,” Whitmer said. On Black Friday, Metro Detroiters stressed to Local 4 how critical the holiday season will be for their businesses to survive. “There are a number of ways that we can support local businesses this season and stay safe,” Whitmer said.

Michigan officials have fined 10 businesses between $400 and $6,300 for serious violations of coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols. Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19. Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19. Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19. Failed to maintain records of the daily self-screening protocols.

Gretchen Whitmer has declared Saturday (Sept. 26) “Downtown Day” across the state of Michigan. The goal is to get Michiganders to spend time and money in downtowns that have struggled during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Whitmer’s proclamation was requested by the Michigan Downtown Association to help all struggling downtowns across the state, not just in Metro Detroit. Small businesses, shops and restaurants in cities from Ann Arbor to Dearborn to Royal Oak are hoping to get a boost Saturday. You can watch his full story in the video posted above.

Officials have fined 19 Michigan businesses for “serious violations” of coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols in the workplace. Inspectors determined 19 companies allegedly committed serious violations by failing to implement necessary precautions to protect employees from contracting COVID-19. The company did not have a preparedness and response plan and it did not train employees on COVID-19. There was no preparedness and response plan or daily health screenings, and employees weren’t trained on COVID-19, according to authorities. There was no preparedness and response plan, and employees weren’t trained on COVID-19, according to authorities.

Officials have fined 19 Michigan businesses for “serious violations” of coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols in the workplace. “We want to make sure these are safe workplaces, and that’s going to protect workers, it’s going to protect our communities,” said MIOSHA Director of COVID Workplace Safety, Sean Egan. “Every employer has an obligation to provide a workplace that’s free from recognized hazards. And every employer needs to make sure that they’re following those protocols,” Egan added. “The protocols are pretty simple, you need a plan, you need training, you need to do health screenings, face to face coverings and social distance.

Gretchen Whitmer closed gyms statewide, many Metro Detroit gyms reopened Wednesday, but not every gym is the same in how it handles protocol. We know if you’re breathing heavily and we’re in enclosed places.”READ: Michigan gyms set to reopen Wednesday -- How to stay safe while working outMost gyms are following the mandate, like Lifetime Fitness. Larson said he’s not going to require members to wear a mask, despite the Governor’s order. Either way it’s going to be unlike any work out gym members have ever done before. It’s too early to know if there are going to be any consequences for the gyms that want to operate their own way.

Gretchen Whitmer closed gyms statewide, and Wednesday is the big day for gyms in Metro Detroit as they are reopening with major precautions. Since March, gyms across Metro Detroit closed its doors after Whitmer ordered them to do so because of the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic. But gyms will be back open with some stipulations, like wearing masks the entire workout. Keyon Clinton with 1% Better Nation started outdoor boot camps this summer since many couldn’t workout inside. Gyms will also not be operating in its full capacity.

DETROIT The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on Metro Detroit businesses. Help Me Hank has been tracking two businesses since the pandemic began, and they have been affected in very different ways. With the popularity of Zoom calls, businesses could continue to take hits, even after COVID-19. Meanwhile, at the Greenhouse of Walled Lake, business is better than ever, owner Jerry Millen said. The rise in marijuana use is connected to the way the coronavirus has affected how people spend their time and money.

Gretchen Whitmer is touting that the state’s economy has rebounded since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but the outlook might not be as positive as she claims. Whitmer believes the economy is rebounding and prospering as a result of how effective her COVID-19 restrictions have been. It doesn’t take much searching to see signs of the economy struggling, such as a retail outlet going out of business. “I worked in prison systems, all sorts of things, and have never been scared,” Silverman said. There’s another side of the argument that says Michigan’s economy has shown positive signs.

Gretchen Whitmer is touting that the state’s economy has rebounded since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and some trends support that claim. Whitmer quoted a CNN Moody’s analytics report saying Michigan’s economy has rebounded 87% since March. Local 4 did a deep dive Wednesday and found that there are some promising signs in terms of the economy. “Nobody knows how to navigate this, and I completely understand it, but we have to figure out, ‘How do we get open?’” Munster said. “Not when or if -- it’s how?”There’s another side of the argument that says Michigan’s economy still has a long way to go.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order was lifted Monday after 70 days. She issued the initial restrictions during the early stages of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and adjusted them several times along the way.

LANSING, Mich. – More parts of Michigan will reopen “in the upcoming days” as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to slow, the state’s top health official said. Stay-at-home orderThe state is currently under a stay-at-home order until June 12 and a state of emergency until June 19. The stay-at-home order continued the closure of public places such as theaters, gyms and casinos to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Whitmer first loosened restrictions April 24, when she extended her stay-at-home order through May 15. The governor updated workplace safety rules, requiring reopened health care facilities to adopt strict protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Published: May 29, 2020, 9:49 am Updated: May 29, 2020, 10:29 amLANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s government has launched a new site to help reopening businesses keep employees and customers safe and prevent further spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19). The site was developed by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Click here to visit the new COVID-19 Workplace Safety site. The site includes MIOSHA guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist. Anyone with questions about workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA’s new hotline at 855-723-3219.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan government has released a 10-item checklist that instructs businesses how they can reopen safely and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). RELATED: 8 steps Michigan barber shops, salons, spas say they can take to safely reopenWorkers have to continue fighting against the spread of the virus as sectors of Michigan’s economy begin to reopen, officials said. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration has launched a new site that includes a reopening checklist for businesses, designed to help them create a safe environment as the economy reopens. Anyone with questions about workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA’s new hotline at 855-723-3219. Click here to report health and safety concerns in the workplace.

Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that she is partially reopening businesses and lifting medical restrictions across the entire state. Retail, auto businessesWhitmer said retail businesses can reopen, as well as auto dealerships by appointment, on Tuesday. Retail businesses that reopen can have up to 10 customers inside at any time, Whitmer said. “With today’s announcement, physicians and health care providers in Michigan are ready to resume taking care of patients,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society. We encourage the citizens of Michigan to tend to their health and protect each other by following public health guidance to prevent spread of this virus."

Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday residents are allowed to gather in groups of as many as 10 people. State officials are also partially reopening businesses and lifting medical restrictions across Michigan. “With today’s announcement, physicians and health care providers in Michigan are ready to resume taking care of patients,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society. We encourage the citizens of Michigan to tend to their health and protect each other by following public health guidance to prevent spread of this virus." The governor also signed a separate order, Executive Order 2020-97, updating a prior rule on workplace safety.

DETROIT – Going up North is a Michigan tradition for many families and after the governor loosened restrictions for businesses in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and many people will be taking advantage of that amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer to reopen parts of state this week, including restaurants, barsGov. Gretchen Whitmer is reopening in the state this week, and whereJose Mabesa of Washington Township and his family are excited to get on the lake and out to eat again. There are still restrictions for restaurants and bars. READ: Here’s every Michigan county where bars, restaurants, retail will reopen this weekWatch the video above for the full report.