Michigan prison hot spot says 12th inmate has died of virus
COLDWATER, Mich. (AP) — A 12th inmate has died from COVID-19 complications at a southern Michigan prison where more than 50% of inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Corrections Department said Monday.
Lakeland prison in Branch County has a large share of the department's older prisoners and is the first to test everyone.
The department said 785 of roughly 1,400 prisoners at Lakeland have tested positive. Only a fraction of all prisoners have been tested statewide, but the infection rate was 56%. There have been at least 33 deaths.
Among staff, 254 have tested positive and there have been two deaths, the department said.
Separately, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a class-action lawsuit Sunday to try to force the release of immigrants with health problems at the Calhoun County jail. The jail has approximately 130 people who are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"Civil immigration detention should not be a death sentence," ACLU attorney Eunice Cho said.
Whitmer signs EO extending validity of PPOs During pandemic
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-63 on Monday, extending validity of existing personal protection orders that would otherwise expire during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Whitmer’s order coincides with a Michigan Supreme Court administrative order extending the validity of personal protection orders until 90 days after Michigan’s emergency declaration is lifted. The orders takes immediate effect.
“Michiganders who file for personal protection orders due to threats, stalking, and abuse should have peace of mind in their homes during the ongoing health crisis,” Whitmer said. “By extending the expiration of existing personal protection orders, we are helping secure the safety of vulnerable residents as we continue to flatten the curve and plan for Michigan’s resurgence.”
Whitmer’s order requires law enforcement agencies to extend the validity of personal protection orders to July 21, 2020.
“Unfortunately, these victims are particularly vulnerable to stalking and harassment — which is why they sought protection in the first place,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “Until today, victims were unable to effectively seek extensions of PPOs during this health care crisis – building upon the anxiety of an already fearful situation.”
Whitmer: Construction may be next Michigan sector to restart
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday she may soon allow construction to restart in Michigan if coronavirus hospitalizations continue to drop and testing rises.
Whitmer on Friday extended and loosened what she said was among the country's strictest stay-at-home orders, letting businesses such as lawn-care companies reopen and people with multiple homes again travel between them. The measure is in effect through May 15.
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