The state of Michigan is now accepting donations from the public “to support critical services," according to an announcement from the State Emergency Operations Center.
On Tuesday afternoon, state officials announced the “COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative," featuring an option for people to make monetary donations of any size to the state via credit or debit card.
Funds will be dispersed through the State Emergency Operations Center based on critical needs. Those needs could include food and water, education support for children or “other essential activities as more needs are identified,” per a press release.
A spokesperson with the governor’s office did not immediately respond to additional queries about the nature and scope of the fund, including whether the amount donated and how the funds are spent will be made public.
Officials said any donations would also be used to help leverage additional federal resources that require a match.
“Michiganders are stepping up and taking heroic actions across the state to help each other during this public health emergency. We want to give residents and businesses an opportunity to help lift others up through the support of essential services and needs,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said in a statement.
The state is also soliciting donations for medical equipment like masks, ventilators, hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, surgical masks, hospital gowns and no-touch thermometers.
The total number of coronavirus cases reached 7,615 on Tuesday, March 31. A total of 259 people have died, according to the state’s daily update on coronavirus numbers.
A week ago today, the state reported a total of 1,791 cases and 24 deaths.
There have been more than 160,000 cases of the coronavirus and almost than 3,000 deaths in the United States.
CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.
Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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