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In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
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How to make your own hand sanitizer during coronavirus shortage
With stores across Michigan running out of cleaning supplies, soap and hand sanitizer as residents seek to protect themselves from coronavirus, a homemade sanitizer recipe may come in handy
10 new Michigan coronavirus cases as state reacts dramatically to spread
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state’s top medical and school leaders announced the new cases, which brings Michigan’s total to 12. The state also is closing schools for three weeks to slow the illness.
Whitmer closes all Michigan schools for three weeks due to coronavirus
Faced with a growing health crisis, the Michigan governor ordered all public schools closed beginning Monday
Coronavirus is here. And Michigan’s public health system is underfunded.
Michigan has the lowest rate of public health funding in the Midwest, and local governments may strain to provide other services in the wake of the coronavirus.
Washtenaw school districts first in Michigan to close due to coronavirus
Seven districts in Washtenaw County are moving to online-only learning beginning Monday, March 16. Districts around the state are wrestling with the pros and cons of closing as Ohio announced it was shutting its public schools.
Michigan is ‘flying blind’ on coronavirus without more testing, experts say
Health experts say testing needs to ramp up to better track and slow down the spread of the virus. The state says it currently has capacity to test for 1,300 cases of the disease.
Michigan’s top doc: No signs yet of ‘community spread’ of coronavirus
Michigan is bracing for more cases, but has no backlog of tests after three state residents tested positive for the virus, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun told lawmakers Thursday.
At Michigan State, deciding whether to go home or stay for the meal plan
MSU emptied out quickly Wednesday as the school put an end to in-person classes until April. Some students worried about the quality of virtual education. Another is staying in the dorms to avoid his younger sister back home.
Coronavirus fears shutter Michigan university classrooms
The state's public universities have told students not to attend classes in person as schools scramble to convert to virtual learning. Some students were told to go home, others are staying on campus.
These Michigan colleges shut down because of coronavirus concerns
Universities across the state stop holding in-person classes, as of Wednesday. Others will move online after spring break.
States are taking drastic measures to contain coronavirus. Is Michigan next?
Michigan should consider containment, bans on gatherings to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the coronavirus, experts say. ‘If I overdo it, so be it,’ one expert says.
Fever, but must work. Will coronavirus change paid sick leave in Michigan?
Restaurant and direct care workers with no paid sick leave could increase coronavirus risk for Michigan, which currently exempts businesses with fewer than 50 workers from being compelled to offer paid leave.
Michigan reports first two coronavirus cases, in Wayne and Oakland counties
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer confirmed the cases late Tuesday involving two residents who recently traveled, one internationally.
Detroit to offer $25 water restorations as coronavirus fears mount
Detroit is offering to turn back on water for $25 to halt the spread of coronavirus, and for 30 days, the state of Michigan will pick up the tab for those who can’t afford it, Mayor Mike Duggan announced.
How Michigan hospitals and businesses try to keep workers happy, healthy
Research is mixed on whether employee wellness programs actually change behaviors and improve health. But businesses like Quicken Loans, Bell’s Brewery and large hospital systems insist their efforts improve work culture.
Cow dung won’t stop coronavirus and you can open Amazon boxes from China
Cons and conspiracies abound in Michigan as residents brace for coronavirus. Now would also be a good time to tell you not to drink bleach.
Coronavirus fears renew calls for Gov. Whitmer to end Detroit water shutoffs
One day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer denies a request for a health emergency in Detroit’s water shutoffs, activists again are seeking another one, saying that living without water could spread coronavirus.
State 'may not have' needed supplies if coronavirus spreads in Michigan
The state’s top doctor says Michigan has enough supplies “for now,” but is limited in specialized masks and other items if coronavirus hits. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activates emergency center in “abundance of caution.”
Michigan schools scramble to plan for a potential coronavirus outbreak
Would schools close for weeks at a time? Would lessons be online? What if a student travels overseas? Michigan districts are creating protocols on the fly to address a possible outbreak.
Detroit says no proof water shutoffs harm health. Get real, experts say.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is unlikely to declare a state emergency to end Detroit water shutoffs, prompting debate about how much proof is needed about health detriments that researchers say are obvious.