Liz Hornyak: On this week's episode, in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, hundreds have gathered and protested against police brutality, and the Michigan senate has answered the call for legislative reform. In coronavirus news: Michigan’s stay-at-home order has been lifted. We will tell you what you need to know. The CDC director also encourages those attending protests to get tested for the virus. We’ll tell you about the testing sites that are available in the area.
That was Terril Cotton, the organizer of a protest on Saturday in which hundreds marched through downtown Ypsilanti in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Ypsilanti Township Trustee Monica Ross Williams was one of several speakers who addressed those attending.
At one point, many gathered around Ypsilanti Police Chief Tony DeGiusti in front of the Ypsi Police Department building. DeGiusti addressed questions posed by those nearby, while cheers of “Black lives matter!” could be heard from those further back in the crowd. DeGiusti was asked to make the department’s policies more transparent by posting them to social media. You can find a gallery of both this protest and another that took place in Ann Arbor on May 30 on our website. Both protests come in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25.
In response to the call for a change in legislation regarding law enforcement policies, Michigan’s senate passed Senate Bill 945 on June 4. This bill requires that officers be trained on implicit bias, be trained in de-escalation tactics, and go through several mental health screenings.
“To the overwhelming majority who have taken to the streets and protested peacefully, protesting historic inequities black Michiganders and those across the county are facing, I hear you, I see you and I respect you and support your efforts to enact real structural change in America,” Gov. Whitmer stated in her press conference on June. "I cannot begin to understand your level of exhaustion the constant stress and pain in the African American community but I know that it is understandable and is justified.”
Last week Gov. Whitmer announced that Michigan’s stay-at home order is over, but there are still some restrictions. Here’s what you need to know:
Retail stores can now allow customers to enter without an appointment, but they still need to abide by social distancing guidelines.
Bars, restaurants, and public swimming pools may open today to up to 50% capacity.
Libraries and museums are also permitted to open today with limited capacity.
Indoor gatherings are limited to ten people, while outside gatherings are limited one hundred people.
Barbershops, hair salons, tattoo shops and nail salons will be opening on June 15.
It’s also recommended that those who can work remotely continue doing so.
Gov. Whitmer is still mandating social distancing and is encouraging citizens to wear masks.
CDC director Robert R. Redfield is recommending that those participating in Black Lives Matter demonstrations and protests should get tested for the coronavirus. Redfield stated that individuals taking part in the protests should, if possible, should get tested within the week of attending the demonstration, and inform others with whom they’ve been in contact.
There are still several testing sites available in the area
- The Perry Early Learning Center located on 550 Perry St. in Ypsilanti is offering drive up and walk-in testing Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At this site no appointment, insurance, or prescription is needed. If you do have insurance, you should bring your insurance card
- St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital located on 5301 McAuley Drive in Ypsilanti is offering curbside testing at the north entrance. This site is open every day from 8a.m. to 5 p.m. You do not need an appointment or a physician’s note. Call 1.833.247.1258 for more information.
- CVS pharmacy is offering two testing sites. One is at 2100 W. Stadium Blvd in Ann Arbor. Another is located at 1700 S. Industrial Highway Ann Arbor MI 48104. For these sites, you do have to book an appointment. You can do this via the link on our website.
- Ann Arbor Urgent Care located on 1000 E. Stadium Blvd in Ann Arbor is offering testing from 9 a.m.-6p.m., Monday-Sunday. At this site you don’t have to be experiencing symptoms to get tested.
- Prognify Urgent Care located at 4563 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor is offering testing to anyone who is experiencing symptoms.
For more information on these testing sites, you can visit the links on our website.
As always thank you for listening. Tune in next Monday for more news and don’t forget to go to The Eastern Echo to check out more stories, and updates. This is Liz Hornyak, signing off.
Host: Liz Hornyak
Script: Jasmine Boyd
Produced: Ronia-Isabel Cabansag
