With pandemic restrictions gone, we saw the fireworks returned in Detroit last week, and Monday night, it’s Clawson’s turn. City leaders there have played it safe for two years, but now they’re ready for things to get back to normal. We’ve got a lot of people for the much-anticipated event many have been waiting for.

Two health experts join us this week to discuss pandemic policies in the U.S. and in Canada, and how they intersect.

People protesting against Canada’s COVID-19 mandates and restrictions in the nation’s capital on Friday are reportedly using children as shields between police and demonstrators as police begin arrests.

The right to abortions has been widely debated among Americans and lawmakers alike for decades -- a debate that has essentially reached a boiling point today, given a new Texas law and forthcoming Supreme Court ruling that could impact national abortion regulations.

Republicans in the Michigan Senate have again passed legislation that would make it harder to vote, advancing photo ID, absentee ballot and other changes that face a surefire veto from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The right to abortions has been widely debated among Americans and lawmakers alike for decades -- a debate that has essentially reached a boiling point today, given a new Texas law and forthcoming Supreme Court ruling that could impact national abortion regulations.

Most experts agree, if you are driving, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on community spread.

While coronavirus pandemic precautions helped keep the flu away last year, experts are worried that we won’t be so lucky this year.

The United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through Aug. 21 in its effort to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Should we be wearing masks in indoor places to protect from the highly-contagious delta variant of COVID-19? The CDC is staying out of it.

COVID-19 restrictions across Michigan were lifted Tuesday.

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

Michigan is lifting all of its COVID restrictions for capacity, masks and gatherings next week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced.

The U.S.-Canada border travel restrictions have been extended another month to July 21.

Michigan is lifting all of its COVID restrictions for capacity, masks and gatherings next week.

Michigan is lifting all of its COVID restrictions for capacity, masks and gatherings next week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced.

One community activist with the Thousands Strong organization is hoping that Detroiters take a step back and think before they act.

Statewide eased COVID-19 restrictions are being welcomed by Metro Detroit businesses.

Coronavirus restrictions will start loosening in Michigan on Tuesday, June 1 as the state slowly starts reopening amid the pandemic.

Michigan Athletics will be launching a new digital ticketing service for the upcoming season.

The Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair is back on the calendar for 2021.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke Monday about the steps and rules residents will have to follow as they return to in-person work across the state.

The curfew on Michigan restaurants and bars will be lifted during the first step of the state’s new plan for fully reopening.

During her COVID briefing, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed the new schedule Michigan will follow to fully reopen, talked about restaurant rules and announced changes to the mask policy.

“We can all throw some burgers on the grill, catch a Tigers game and hit the lake with our friends. We can enjoy our Michigan summer,” said Willpower Fitness Group owner William McCray. “I’m happy, I’m ecstatic and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Michigan restaurants have been put through the ringer throughout the pandemic. The industry as a whole has seen the rules change multiple times over the past year and that’s made for a lot of anxiety, frustration and sometimes animosity. After Thursday’s announcement, there was a new, more hopeful tone.

Michigan is going to lift specific COVID-19 restrictions when the state hits certain vaccination thresholds. Here’s a list of the rules that will be loosened when each goal is reached.

Michigan is outlining four specific vaccination goals that, once they are reached, will directly trigger the loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions across the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed.

Michigan Medicine's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital surveyed 1,630 parents with children ages 6-18 for the poll.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services expanded mask requirements to include children ages 2-4 years old.

Michigan has extended the COVID-19 order that implemented restrictions on gatherings, restaurants, entertainment venues and more.

It’s been an extremely busy week for COVID-related topics in Michigan, from debates about another shutdown to quickly filling hospitals to six more months of workplace restrictions.

Every week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services puts out new data on different aspects of the coronavirus pandemic.

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

Last week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke about the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases across the state and asked residents to voluntarily follow several restrictions over the next two weeks.

The Governor’s Office said Foster is fully vaccinated and was safe to travel under both CDC and MDHHS guidelines, but the photos do come just days after Whitmer cautioned about traveling to Florida over spring break.

The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) announced new hospital visitor restrictions Friday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Michigan.

Thursday was a day of adjustment for Detroit Tigers players and fans.

The leader of Canada’s most populous province is announcing what he calls a province wide shutdown for four weeks because of a third wave of coronavirus infections.

“Opening Day is always a holiday here in Michigan,” said Brass Rail Bar manager Kevin Weathers. It’s time for the first home game of the Detroit Tigers season, but this year, it will be a lot different than previous years. READ: Detroit Tigers prepare for Opening Day amid COVID pandemic“We have everything 6 feet apart. “Let me say this: Opening Day is not going to be the same we’re accustomed to because of the pandemic,” said Detroit Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair. The Detroit Tigers and the city are enforcing special precautions for Opening Day.

(AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh)BUDAPEST – Demonstrators in Hungary’s capital broke a ban on public gatherings on Monday to demand an end to the country's lockdown restrictions, even as a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations sweeps the country. The demonstration was organized by a far-right party, Mi Hazank Mozgalom (Our Homeland Movement), and joined by some 1,000 people. They demanded an end to pandemic restrictions that have been in effect for more than four months and have placed a heavy burden on the country's economy. AdA survey published last week by Eurofound, a European Union agency, found that a smaller proportion of Hungarian workers received wage subsidies than in other country in the 27-member bloc. AdThe protest marked the March 15 national holiday, which celebrates the Hungarian revolution and war of independence of 1848, a national uprising against the ruling Austrian Habsburgs.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office is looking into requests to investigate the state’s COVID-19 nursing home policies. Whitmer announces nursing home visitation to resume in MichiganOnly eight representatives left their names off the letter, including House Speaker Jason Wentworth. Another 11 republicans signed onto the campaign to impeach Whitmer or force her to resign over the policy. READ: Michigan lawmakers hold hearing, seek answers about nursing home deaths amid pandemicThe centers for Medicaid, Medicare and the AARP have been calling for Whitmer to release all the state data on nursing home deaths. READ: Tracking COVID-19 cases, deaths in Michigan long term care facilities, nursing homes

The state of Michigan is easing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in several areas including restaurants and bars. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the restrictions on indoor dining had been revised. Customers must still wear masks when they’re not seated at their tables. Mask mandate remainsAll persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask under the Michigan “Gatherings and Face Mask Order.”Here are the face mask requirements listed under the order:Face mask requirement at gatherings:(a) All persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. An individual’s verbal representation that they are not wearing a face mask because they fall within a specified exception, however, may be accepted.

LANSING, Mich. – Over the past seven weeks, there’s been a decline in key metrics determining where we are with the pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that visitation at nursing homes will resume. READ: 12 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: Michigan restrictions loosenedAd“Under the new guidelines, family members will be able to go and visit their relatives in nursing homes after receiving a negative COVID-19 test,” Whitmer added. “We want people to be able to visit their family in the nursing homes, and we know that our businesses are doing their part to make their establishments as safe as they can,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. So far the state of Michigan has vaccinated more than 2 million residents.

Michigan announced several changes to its COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday, including new rules for restaurants, gyms, stadiums, retail shops and gatherings. Nursing homesVisitation at nursing homes will now be allowed, Whitmer said. Everyone has to wear a face mask at all times, unless eating or drinking while seated in a designated area. Spaces and activities have to be set up to keep six feet of distance between people at all times, officials said. Face masks are required at all times, unless people are eating or drinking.

Michigan restaurants are opening to indoor dining this week, but do you feel safe about going? ➡️ View the full survey results here. Thank you for taking part in the survey! We believe it is important for neighbors who care -- neighbors like you! More survey results:

Here's how Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state health department have handled restaurants throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with two shutdowns and partial reopenings.

Michigan’s current order prohibiting indoor dining service expires this week, but the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association said it has been told the prohibition will be extended to Feb. 1. “We are absolutely upset, but at the same time, let’s hold hard to this Feb. 1 deadline and let’s do it right,” said MLBA President Scott Ellis. Gretchen Whitmer’s Office confirms the Feb. 1 restart date. Details of what dine-in service will look like are not clear yet but there will be caps on density and social distancing will be required. 8 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: In-person learning, vaccine distribution, restaurantsWhitmer held her second COVID-19 briefing of the week Friday (Jan. 8) to discuss the future of in-person learning, vaccine distribution and how current trends affect the possibility of reopening restaurants in the state.

In promulgating Executive Order 2020-69 and Executive Order 2020-70, the Governor has done just that by placing restrictions on certain activities to limit social interactions. “Good news, sports fans: We are now ready to gradually and safely allow professional sports to resume in Michigan,” Whitmer said. July 14: State of emergency extendedWhitmer extended the Michigan state of emergency until Aug. 11 as COVID-19 cases rose across the state. The five-year lending, investment and philanthropic plan aimed to help improve financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers and communities. Dec. 29: Relief bill, unemployment extensionWhitmer signed a $106 million relief bill and also extended COVID-19 unemployment benefits through March 2021.

The recipients worked at restaurants or fitness and entertainment venues whose operations have been limited to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The recipients worked at restaurants or fitness and entertainment venues whose operations have been limited to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Wayne County Economic Development Department received enough applications in less than two weeks to fulfill the $6 million budget. “While we wait for Washington to figure out what they’re doing, this is a stimulus for Wayne County,” county Executive Warren Evans said. Original Story: Wayne County hands out $500 gift cards to restaurant, service workers affected by pandemic

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an updated epidemic order on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for businesses and activities. Read in-depth: Here’s everything that’s reopening under Michigan’s revised COVID-19 orderThe MDHHS said this order takes effect Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., at which time the Dec. 7, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. The order remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Here is a look at the new order, which keeps dine-in service closed at Michigan restaurants but will allow high schools to return to in-person learning starting Dec. 21:Coronavirus resources:

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – Many businesses have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic -- especially bars and restaurants. RELATED: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s what to know Dec. 18, 2020The cold weather has made things tougher, but Northville is using a bit of ingenuity to try and help its businesses make it through the winter. With the help of Ann Arbor-based O-X Studio, the Northville Downtown Development Authority and Up2Go International are using heated modular dining pods that can be also be used as food service stands. You can watch Tim Pamplin’s story in the video above for the full report. More information can be found on O-X Studio’s official website here.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an updated epidemic order on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for businesses and activities. The MDHHS said this order takes effect on Dec. 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., at which time the Dec. 7, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. The order remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Here is a look at the new order, which keeps dine-in service closed at Michigan restaurants but will allow high schools to return to in-person learning starting Dec. 21:Coronavirus resources:

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate is considering Concurrent Resolution 36, which would form a joint committee of the Legislature acting between sessions to suspend rules or regulations administered by state administrative agencies. Under the resolution, the Legislature could call a joint committee after the current session -- ends Dec. 18 -- through Jan. 13. Whitmer’s COVID-19 briefingREAD: Whitmer says Michigan’s increased COVID-19 restrictions are working: ‘We are making progress’The Michigan Constitution gives the committee the power to suspend rules and regulations, such as new COVID-19 orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It would only apply to any new orders agencies would submit during the time the entire Legislature was out of session. Several people gathered outside the home of Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), on Dec. 15 to protest the state’s current COVID restrictions.

Michigan’s COVID restrictions will remain as is for at least another 12 days, the governor and state health officials announced Monday, Dec. 7. Now the order remains in effect through Sunday, Dec. 20. Upon completion of this most recent Order, restaurant dining rooms will have been closed for 118 days, nearly one-third of the calendar year. — Grant Hermes (@GrantHermes) December 7, 2020Related: Gretchen Whitmer seeks $100m stimulus to aid Michigan economyFace mask requirementUnder this MDHHS epidemic order, all persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. Again, this order first went into effect on Nov. 18, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., at which time the October 29, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded, the state says.

Gretchen Whitmer has extended her recent partial shutdown and the push back against them is growing. Perhaps we could take a step back and pause and maybe take a look at what they’re doing right. We have people losing jobs, businesses and homes.”Whitmer has extended COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire Tuesday for another 12 days. The COVID restrictions will now end December 20 and keep things including indoor dining at restaurants closed. Details: Michigan COVID restrictions extended through Dec. 20: What to knowRead: Michigan extends COVID-19 restrictions for 12 days to gauge Thanksgiving impactRead more: Michigan’s ‘3-week pause’ COVID restrictions in effect: What to know

LANSING, Mich. – On Monday, Michigan health officials released a series of studies, which they have used to justify the decision to halt indoor dining, close entertainment venues and call a timeout on organized sports, as well as the 12-day extension. “This may be the most difficult time in our whole struggle with COVID-19 since March, especially with the holidays approaching,” Gov. For weeks, restaurant owners and lawmakers have asked the governor to be more transparent about the science behind the orders. Experts are hoping hospitalizations decline and want cases and the positivity rate to drop before lifting the restrictions. People are still coming into ERs even weeks after they have been diagnosed,” Khaldun said.

Gretchen Whitmer has extended COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire Tuesday for another 12 days. The COVID restrictions will now end December 20 and keep things including indoor dining at restaurants closed. When making the announcement today during a press conference Whitmer hinted that the restaurants are not going to all reopen at once either. Details: Michigan COVID restrictions extended through Dec. 20: What to knowRead: Michigan extends COVID-19 restrictions for 12 days to gauge Thanksgiving impactRead more: Michigan’s ‘3-week pause’ COVID restrictions in effect: What to know“Here we are a few weeks before Christmas, and we are already sadly above that mark. It’s not my fault, not Dr. J’s fault or director Gordon’s fault.

Maloney turned down a request for an injunction with a week left in the three-week indoor dining ban. Restaurants predict that the steady loss of customers could put many of them out of business. Whitmer said about chance of Michigan’s stricter COVID-19 rules extending past 3 weeksThe MRLA and some restaurants sued the state health director. They said they can safely provide indoor dining and were being treated unfairly when compared to other businesses. The health director offered six key things that medical professionals know about the virus right now:

Under new restrictions issued Sunday evening by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), here’s what is closed starting Wednesday, Nov. 18 until Dec. 8 in Michigan. Hair salons, barber shops, other personal services (Per the MDHHS order -- Section 4.e. : In facilities offering non-essential personal care services, including hair, nail, tanning, massage, traditional spa, tattoo, body art, and piercing services, and similar personal care services, gatherings are only. (MDHHS)Face mask requirementUnder this MDHHS epidemic order, all persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. Again, this order takes effect on November 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM, at which time the October 29, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded, the state says.

Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak and Troy already reinstated visitor restrictions on Tuesday, Nov. 10. “We’ve had a notable rise in COVID-19 cases in Metro Detroit,” said Dr. Nick Gilpin, medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology for Beaumont Health. Visitors with a person receiving care at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Taylor and Troy must leave after bringing that person into the Emergency Center. Our COVID-19 Data section tracks many of the key data points health officials are watching closely every single day. Track key COVID-19 data points in Michigan:

Why is Michigan shutting down indoor dining at restaurants for three weeks even though there aren’t as many outbreaks linked to restaurants compared to other activities? From Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8, Michiganders will only be able to order takeout from restaurants, unless outdoor seating is available. Gretchen Whitmer was asked the following question Sunday when she announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s new COVID-19 rules. “Restaurants and bars were able at least to mitigate some difficulties earlier in the year with outdoor dining. “That’s why this activity, like the others that are being addressed, fell into this category.”Whitmer said shutting down indoor dining at restaurants is among the actions health experts recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Follow updates on Michigan’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic right here (below).

DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued new COVID restrictions Sunday evening involving restaurants, bars, high schools, colleges, in-person working and more. As of now, the restrictions are in place for three weeks -- from Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8. Wind gusts will be down to 35 mph, and sustained winds will be between 15 and 25 mph. Scattered rain and snow showers are possible, especially north of 8 Mile Road. 4 Fast FactsSaturday, Nov. 14, 2020 --

DETROIT – Rapidly climbing case counts of COVID-19 have led to cities and counties in several states to issue new restrictions on restaurants and bars. READ: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 244,741; Death toll now at 7,929A new study is renewing concerns about the role restaurants and bars may play in helping to spread COVID-19. Researchers from Stanford University studied cell phone data from 10 U.S. cities collected from March to May of this year. They found full-service restaurants were the riskiest place for new infections, about four times riskier than gyms and coffee shops. READ: Top Henry Ford Health doctor worried about Michigan COVID-19 deaths rising in near future

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:‘Watchers’ demand vote counting access at TCF Center, denied due to COVID-19 restrictionsHank Winchester was at the TCF Center on Wednesday when there were some chaotic moments. People tried to get into the center to watch the ballots being counted. They were denied access on the grounds of COVID-19 restrictions.

Michigan will allow indoor visitation to long term care facilities for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started in the state. The state had previously allowed outdoor visits and visits for terminally ill patients. Under the order, visitation rules are linked to the risk level of the county. Residential care visitation order infographic. Based on county risk levels and the type of visit, some visitors will be required to receive COVID testing prior to entry.

Bars must close indoor common areas, and indoor gatherings are prohibited in most areas where alcohol is sold. The epidemic order that Director Gordon issued today is an important step to protect Michiganders across the state from the spread of COVID-19. The order also requires children and staff members to wear masks at schools, except for in Michigan Economic Recovery Council Region 6. Indoor gatherings of more than 10 and up to 500 people occurring at a non-residential venue are permitted within certain limits. Indoor gatherings are prohibited anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold, except for table services where parties are separated from one another by at least six feet.

Gretchen Whitmer on Friday, stating that she did not have the authority to issue public health orders without legislative approval. Wisconsin virus cases are surgingIt’s been five months since the ruling, but now -- the virus is out of control in Wisconsin. Wisconsin health officials on Saturday said the state set a single-day record for COVID-19 cases with nearly 2,900 positive tests. A county health official in Wisconsin says he’s frustrated with the lack of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and is quitting. The number of people hospitalized in Wisconsin reached a record-high of 737 on Sept. 30, according to state health officials and the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

TORONTO, ONT – Canada is extending the agreement to keep the U.S. border closed to non-essential travel to Oct. 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions were announced on March 18 and have been extended each month since. Essential cross-border workers like healthcare professionals, airline crews and truck drivers are still permitted to cross. Truck drivers are critical as they move food and medical goods in both directions. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S.Americans who are returning to the U.S. and Canadians who are returning to Canada are also exempted from the border closure.

DETROIT New rules about masks took effect in Michigan at midnight Monday. July 12, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 69,338; Death toll now at 6,068We are going to make sure everyone who walks in puts a mask on. RELATED: Michigan officials: Face mask exempt cards illegitimateIts the same situation at both Exodus Rooftop Lounge and Golden Fleece restaurant. When theyre getting up to be seated or going to the bathroom or exiting, a mask is mandatory, said Yanni Dionisopoulos. Were all in favor of that.He said he wished the stricter mask rules were issued earlier.

Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. July 11, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 68,948; Death toll now at 6,067As store and restaurant owners grapple with enforcing the new order on masks, the states largest association of retailers is criticizing the order and hoping Gov. The Michigan Retailers Association came out strongly against the order requiring businesses to enforce the mask requirements. Spokesperson Meegan Holland said the MRA had been working with Whitmers officer in hopes of a more strict mask order that would involve law enforcement. Part of the problem is that sales associates arent trained to do this kind of enforcement, Holland said.

Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. The order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. The executive order takes effect at 12:01am on Monday, July 13. Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governor’s previous Executive Order 2020-114.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new Executive Order requiring masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces as COVID-19 cases spike in the state. Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governors previous Executive Order 2020-114. Whitmer said on Thursday that the state was considering tightening mask rules as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state.

Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. The executive order takes effect at 12:01am on Monday, July 13. A willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor subject to a $500 criminal penalty, but no term of confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement. Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governors previous Executive Order 2020-114.

Gretchen Whitmer signed a new Executive Order requiring Michiganders to wear masks in indoor public spaces and some outdoor public spaces. Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. Additionally, businesses are required to refuse entry to people who do not wear a mask. Some customers were questioning why it seems like so many are fighting to wear a mask, putting businesses and their staff in the middle. You either choose to put the mask on or you got to choose to leave my building right now.

DETROIT – Michigan is easing restrictions on visiting nursing homes and other care facilities for limited circumstances as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The orders allow expanded visitation in long-term care facilities including nursing homes, and in facilities for youth who are in child caring institutions or juvenile justice facilities. One order applies to residential long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance abuse disorder residential facilities, independent living facilities and assisted living facilities. The other order affects youth in congregate care facilities – known as child caring institutions – and juvenile justice facilities – also known as juvenile detention facilities. Safety requirements that facilities must follow to allow visitors can be found in the epidemic orders for residential long-term care facilities and for congregate care facilities.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. Due to an increase in demand, Washington Township public water customers will immediately be required to restrict outside water use to an even-odd schedule. Public water customers with an address ending in an odd number are only to water on odd calendar days. Meanwhile, public water customers with an address ending in an even number are only to water on even calendar days. It is essential that Washington Township public water customers water comply with these restrictions to limit future water rates increases from the Great Lakes Water Authority. These restrictions have been adopted in order to receive the best rates possible for public water customers.

Gretchen Whitmer has extended an Executive Order that restricts visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Executive Order 2020-136 extends existing safety measures to maintain restrictions regarding entry to care facilities designed to protect vulnerable populations. Whitmer also signed Executive Order 2020-135, which creates the bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force will be charged with, among other things, analyzing relevant data on the threat of COVID-19 in nursing homes, and making recommendations to the governor on improving data quality, and releasing periodic reports to the governor on its findings and recommendations. The task force must produce a recommendation to the governor for an action plan on how to prepare nursing homes for any future wave of COVID-19 cases by August 31, 2020.