(WXYZ) — Nearly 111,000 workers in Michigan have filed for unemployment benefits amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order that would expand benefits and provide emergency relief to working families.
“We understand that COVID-19 has caused economic harm to our workers as sacrifices are made to protect all of our residents. Extending and expanding unemployment benefits has provided emergency relief to many Michiganders,” said Jeff Donofrio, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, in a press release. “Even though we’ve seen an unprecedented need for emergency financial assistance, Michigan’s unemployment system, and its hardworking staff, continue to provide critical help online and over the phone. Michiganders impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic should continue to visit michigan.gov/UIA or call 866-500-0017 to apply for benefits.”
Between last Monday and Friday, data shows that 108,710 unemployment claims were filed.
The executive order also expands to workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off. Additionally, it expands to workers with an unanticipated family care responsibility.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
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