Genesee News

State Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) has continued to reassure Genesee County residents that their leaders are doing all they can to keep the community safe in the midst of statewide COVID-19 outbreaks.

“Please be assured that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working closely with our health care providers, local public health departments and the Centers for Disease Control to actively isolate and care for these patients,” Mueller said in a statement on Michigan House Republicans.

“As your state representative, I am doing everything in my power to help the state and our communities during this trying time. I recently supported two emergency budget action plans to address evolving challenges with the virus -- committing $150 million in state funding to the fight, including the $25 million previously approved by the Legislature. The plan will provide $50 million for immediate needs, such as virus monitoring and testing, $50 million for critical health care providers to expand capacity, and $50 million to keep in reserve for when necessary. The financial support comes with important accountability and legislative oversight measures to ensure money is spent in the best interests of taxpayers.

“We must work together to prevent further spread of this contagious disease. Please continue to diligently wash your hands often with soap, clean frequently touched surfaces and stay home as much as you can, especially if you are feeling ill.”

Michigan now ranks third in the nation in coronavirus-related deaths, after a recent fierce jump in outbreaks, trailing only New York and New Jersey.

Across the state, there were almost 19,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 845 deaths reported, as of April 7. The majority of total cases are in the three populous Detroit metro-area counties of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne, according to Michigan.gov.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has warned that the U.S. could see millions of coronavirus infections and between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths.

As of April 7, the nationwide numbers have grown to over 374,000 confirmed cases and over 12,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.