Noah C. Hagan, ICLE

On August 3, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order halting certain residential evictions in counties with heightened levels of community transmission of COVID-19. The new order is effective through October 3, 2021. This update provides the highlights of the order.

Rebekah Page-Gourley, ICLE

On June 22, 2021, the same day that the last broad Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gatherings and Face Mask Order expired pursuant to the Rescission of Emergency Orders, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration filed new emergency rules effective through December 22, 2021. The updated rules supersede the emergency rules issued on May 24, 2021, and no longer require Michigan employers to have a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan or to follow the previously outlined COVID-19 protocols for screenings, record keeping, sanitation, mask wearing, and distancing.

Jeanne E. Murphy, ICLE

This article explains the new requirements for visitation in residential care facilities under an order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, effective May 21, 2021. Note that this order rescinds one issued on March 17, 2021. Residential care facilities include homes for the aged, nursing homes, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance use disorder residential facilities, and assisted living facilities. The term does not include independent living facilities.

Max J. Newman, Butzel Long

The COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021 extends key COVID-19 bankruptcy relief provisions under the March 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) from their original March 27, 2021, sunset date to March 27, 2022.

Yezi (Amy) Yan, Varnum LLP

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, will provide federal dollars through a wide range of channels, including individual stimulus checks, funds for state and local governments, COVID-19 testing and vaccines, education, small businesses, and anti-poverty programs, including three expanded tax credits. This article summarizes the key provisions.

Maureen Rouse-Ayoub, Varnum LLP

COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed and administered throughout the United States. While the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director has indicated that the agency is not considering a statewide coronavirus vaccine mandate, this article outlines a number of considerations for employers wondering whether—and when—their companies can take advantage of the vaccine.

Brendan G. Best, Varnum LLP

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (the Act), Pub L No 116-260, 134 Stat 1182 (2020), many struggling but viable small businesses may be able to now file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, get four months of rent relief, and confirm a reorganization plan that allows payment of the arrearage over three to five years. This update summarizes the bankruptcy provisions of the Act.

Jeanne E. Murphy, ICLE

2020 PA 246, 247, 248, and 249, authorize remote witnessing, notarization, visitation, and electronic signatures in Michigan. This legislation has been extended and applies to any document executed on or after April 30, 2020, and before July 1, 2021, by 2020 PAs 335, 336, 337, and 338. This article summarizes the highlights.