What to Do If a Patient Tests Positive for COVID-19

Do You Know What to Do If a Patient Tests Positive for COVID-19?
MAC-Developed Resource Outlines Steps That Need to Be Taken When Clinic Exposed to Coronavirus

As physician-level health care providers, Michigan chiropractors could find themselves in a situation where a patient they recently treated has subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 and informs the clinic. Or, a close family member of a patient who was recently seen tests positive. Would you know what to do? What steps does a chiropractor need to follow in these cases?

The MAC has created a one-page document, consistent with state and CDC guidelines, outlining the steps a chiropractor should take when this situation occurs in chiropractic practice. Download this important document here.

Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program to Help Employers Fund Safety and Health-Related Equipment and Training in Response to COVID-19

The Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program awards small businesses matching funds - up to $10,000 - to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19. The stated goal of the program is to create a safer and healthier work environment and reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 for Michiganders.

Appropriate uses include (but are not limited to) physical barriers to separate customers from employees, hand washing/hygiene stations and supplies, materials for conducting employee health screening (such as touchless thermometers), PPE purchases, and more.

The application process began yesterday and runs through Friday, August 7, 2020, with awards given thereafter. Grants received after August 7, 2020, will be held pending a potential second phase (if funds remain available). To apply, businesses may complete the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant application.

Small businesses interested in applying must:

Have fewer than 250 employees
Fall under the jurisdiction of MIOSHA
Conduct a site-specific evaluation justifying the purchase
Provide a copy of their COVID-19 safety plan and description of how funds will help improve workplace safety for employees, customers, and their communities

Additional information on grant funding and appropriate uses can be found in the program brochure. If you have questions regarding the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant or application, please contact the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) at (517) 284-7811, (517) 284-7775, or LEO-CETGrants@Michigan.gov. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at: 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219)

Source: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Press Release, “$8.55 Million in COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grants will help employers protect workers,” July 23, 2020

U.S. Senate Republicans Release $1 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill
Negotiations Begin with Senate and House Democrats on Next Phase of Relief for Individuals and Businesses

Yesterday, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky released the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion coronavirus relief bill. Among other things, the bill would:

Provide $190 billion for a new round of PPP loans allowing small businesses (fewer than 300 employees) that have seen revenue fall by more than 50% apply for a second round of aid. The bill also appropriates $100 billion for loans to businesses in low-income Census tracts that can show reduction of more than 50% in business.
Include several tax credits, including an enhanced employee retention credit and a credit for expenses such as upgrades to workplaces and testing that help businesses operate safely
Allow for a new round of $1,200 payments ($2,400 per couple), with the same qualifications as the checks received under previous relief efforts. The bill package also calls for an additional $500 per dependent (of any age).
Shield from liability businesses, doctors, and schools, except in cases of “gross negligence” or “willful misconduct.”
Set the pandemic unemployment insurance level at 70% of a worker’s previous wages, replacing the $600 per week, which ends this week. Until unemployment systems can figure out how to determine how to implement this percentage, the federal benefit would be $200 a week, through the end of September. In October, the 70% replacement – up to a maximum of $500 – would take effect.
Provide for 100% deductability of business means

The full bills have not yet been released, but the MAC Government Relations team will continue to monitor this legislation and negotiations with Senate and House Democrats, which are expected to be contentious. The U.S. House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats, passed a $3 trillion relief bill in May.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.