An alleged plot to kidnap the governor is part of a larger pattern of misogyny.

Source: How Gretchen Whitmer became a target of right-wing hate – Vox

Michigan is among eight states nationally that have not released details about the number of children who’ve died from novel coronavirus since the pandemic began.

Source: State of Michigan not releasing details of kids’ coronavirus deaths | Bridge Michigan

COVID-19. Poverty. Isolation. Systemic racism. Educators feel the stress of their students’ lives now more than ever.

Source: How to Prevent Secondary Trauma | NEA

Madrid struggles in the way, way back of Europe’s COVID-19 fight

Source: Prepare for a ‘marathon’ and two years of wearing masks to battle COVID-19, says prominent Spain virologist – MarketWatch

Editor’s note: This oped is signed by 15 of Michigan’s top public health experts.

On March 10, the first case of COVID-19 was officially diagnosed in Michigan. Within weeks, we were one of the top hotspots in the nation in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded quickly and forcefully with a number of emergency orders. However, on Oct. 2 — after 126,000 more cases and nearly 6,800 deaths — the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in a split decision that Whitmer did not have the ongoing authority to issue executive orders addressing COVID-19 under a 1945 law dealing with state emergencies.

When this ruling goes into effect, the Michigan Legislature, other state departments and agencies, and county/city governments will have an even more important role in controlling the pandemic. The good news is that objective epidemiologic research, including on the impact of the governor’s response thus far, provides clear answers on a path forward. The bad news is that many state legislators (including Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey) and local policymakers want to abandon sound science-based policies, such as mask mandates, and thus recklessly endanger the health and lives of Michiganders.

Source: 15 doctors have message for Michiganders on mask requirements

MEA is monitoring developments related to Friday’s Michigan Supreme Court ruling against Gov. Whitmer’s ability to use executive order to help protect the public during this pandemic – particularly as it relates to schools, community colleges and universities. We appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to keep the public, our students and our members safe, and we call on education employers across the state to continue to follow the safety protocols laid out over the past few months. A few things to note:

Source: Regarding Michigan Supreme Court ruling’s impact on school-related executive orders – Michigan Education Association