In what’s considered a preliminary stage of Michigan’s efforts to re-engage the economy, Gov. Whitmer announced today she is extending the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order to May 15 and lifting restrictions on certain businesses including plant nurseries, lawn care operations and curbside pickup and delivery services, so long as social distancing guidelines are maintained. Through the order, she is also making it a requirement that shoppers in enclosed retail areas wear non-medical face masks.

An additional $310 billion was approved today to extend the federal Paycheck Protection Program to provide forgivable loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Though the application period for the program is not yet live, Michigan businesses are encouraged to keep an eye on MIPaycheckProtection.com to stay up-to-date on application period timeframes, as funds are expected to go quickly.

This week, Gov. Whitmer created the MiMortgage Relief Partnership with more than 200 of Michigan’s financial institutions to recognize and expand upon the measures that these institutions have been taking to assist customers to ensure no one experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 will lose their home during this public health crisis. This includes providing a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments, relief from mortgage-related late fees and charges for 90 days, and foregoing new foreclosures for 60 days.

Michigan companies have an immediate need to fill thousands of critical vacancies to support work during the COVID-19 outbreak, including those in logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and agribusiness industries. The State of Michigan’s employment search engine – Pure Michigan Talent Connect – provides job seekers and employers with an online portal to post, search and connect to these job openings.

Thousands of new jobs are being posted each day. Employers looking to hire during the COVID-19 outbreak should use the COVID-19 On-Demand Hiring Intake Form.

Leveraging our state’s history of innovation, manufacturing and skilled workforce to provide critical supplies for the COVID-19 crisis, the state’s Pure Michigan Business Connect Virtual Procurement and Donation Assistance Platform is matching donor companies and suppliers with organizations in need. The article below provides a handful of the many examples of Michigan’s united response to the public health crisis, as well as more information on PMBC’s COVID-19 relief resources.

Access additional resources by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities and stay informed on Michigan’s latest efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on our state’s residents and economy.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.