Nationally, the CDC reports that there are now more than 54,400 cases of COVID-19 reported in the U.S. and nearly 740 deaths. As more states implement stay-at-home orders to combat the coronavirus, businesses are suffering and unemployment is at an all-time high. In response, the White House and Senate reached a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus package on March 25 that is intended to support the economy. As the day went on, several republican senators vocalized their disappointment with the package’s planned expansion of unemployment insurance — and Democratic presidential nominee Senator Bernie Sanders responded to their claims by saying that altering the bill’s unemployment offerings would be too lenient on corporations. Meanwhile, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said the package would be “terrible” for his state. Still, the Senate plans to vote on the bill by this evening. Here’s what’s happening in metro Detroit:
On March 25, the state of Michigan announced 507 new cases of COVID-19 and 19 new deaths. In total, there have been 2,295 cases in the state and 43 deaths. [Michigan.gov]
In response to reduced demand for service as COVID-19 continues to spread locally, Detroit’s QLine is limiting its operations. On March 26, the QLine will begin only running two streetcars from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the weekday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekend. [Detroit Free Press]
Pure Michigan is offering virtual ways to experience Mitten State attractions. On its social media pages, the state’s official travel and tourism website is now sharing information about digital experiences like web camera viewings of destinations in West Michigan and Mackinac, a virtual field trip of the Detroit Institute of Arts, a live stream of the butterfly exhibit at the Grand Rapids-based Frederik Meijer Gardens, and more. “By sharing the tremendous virtual offerings our travel partners across the state have available, we are hoping that individuals can enjoy, learn and explore our beautiful state from the comfort of their own homes as they look ahead to future adventures,” says Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan in a press release. [Pure Michigan]
On March 28, Eastern Market will begin offering curbside pickup. Those who are interested in picking up food must place their order online before midnight on March 26. [Metro Times]
Metro Detroiters can expect to see stores taking more measures to protect employees and customers from the coronavirus. This week, retailers such as Kroger, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and some Starbucks locations and pharmacies will begin installing partitions made of plexiglass at registers and check-out lines. Floor decals placed six-feet apart — the recommend distance people should maintain around others — and increased sanitation efforts will also be implemented by some stores. [Detroit Free Press]
Henry Ford Health has reached the limit of COVID-19 patients it can take on at its hospitals in Detroit and West Bloomfield. In total, Henry Ford Health has seen 411 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases at its five hospitals. The news comes a day after Beaumont Health announced that it was nearing capacity as it serves 635 patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. [Detroit News]
More than 108,000 Michiganders filed for unemployment insurance last week, and following Gov. Whitmer’s executive order, the state closed local Unemployment Insurance Agency offices. The agency is suggesting that those who need to file a claim try to do so online at michigan.gov/uia between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., which is when fewer users are trying to access the site. Longer load times are expected. [Bridge]
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, DMC Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and Facebook Community Fund are teaming up to form a fund that focuses on health needs. To start, the group of organizations has awarded 14 grants, totaling $700,000, to the city of Detroit, Wayne State University, local health departments, and more. [DBusiness]
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