×

State halts new hires as money goes to fight virus

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she suspended state hiring and promotions Monday and vetoed $80 million in new spending in order to steer money to fighting the coronavirus.

At the same time, Whitmer said she signed laws with $150 million for the state’s response.

She said it’s too early to know how the economic slowdown related to the virus will affect state revenue but the impact “is going to be real.”

“The world has changed since those negotiations and we must react and change along with it,” the governor said in reference to the veto and leaders in the Legislature.

Michigan had nearly 5,500 cases of the coronavirus by Sunday and 132 deaths. Detroit residents make up about 30% of cases.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

“We are still in the early stages of spread in Michigan and cases have not yet peaked,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s medical executive.

A convention center in Detroit will be turned into a 900-bed hospital in response to the coronavirus, the federal government said Sunday. Construction at TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Center, will begin after contracts are wrapped up in 24 to 36 hours, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said. The June auto show has been canceled.

Whitmer swiftly agreed to use TCF Center. Michigan, especially Detroit and surrounding communities, has been one of the hardest-hit states.

“The dire situation in Detroit is getting worse by the minute,” Whitmer said on CNN.

Henry Ford Health System said it had 507 patients at five hospitals as of Sunday morning. Beaumont Health, which has eight hospitals, said it was caring for 810 people with COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, and another 210 who were awaiting test results.

Whitmer signed an order Sunday night suspending the transfer of inmates to prisons from county jails until virus risks in prisons have been reduced.

Family members said they suspect state Rep. Isaac Robinson, D-Detroit, died Sunday as a result of the coronavirus.

It’s “another reminder of how we all need to do our part to protect ourselves and each other in these difficult times,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who called Robinson’s death a “devastating loss.”

At least three clergymen have died from COVID-19. Auxiliary Bishop Robert Smith Sr. and pastor Kevelin Jones, both from the Flint area, and pastor Myron Lett of Detroit were leaders in the Church of God in Christ, according to the church’s regional office.

“I thought the world of this dear, generous man,” Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton said of Jones.

Smith’s family announced his death on Facebook: “What we know about the new coronavirus is that no one is immune to it.”

Western Michigan University said Bassey Offiong, a student from Detroit who was poised to graduate, died.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today