Client Alerts

With most businesses moving to remote work due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, one issue that may arise is how, as a matter of corporate governance, boards, shareholders, or members (in the context of an LLC) may conduct meetings remotely.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-21 (EO), which ordered the temporary suspension of all in-person business operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the EEOC has modified its position regarding certain questions that can be asked and actions that can be taken by employers, without running afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Today, March 26, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court released its latest COVID-19 related Administrative Order. 

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued a stay-home order requiring nonessential businesses and workers to stay home. For her order, see EO 2020-21. Less than two hours later, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an order tolling deadlines that apply to the commencement of all civil and probate-case types. 

Businesses in states that have issued the temporary in-person shutdown of non-essential businesses are not exempt from state and federal environmental regulatory obligations, without a specific exemption or directive from the governing authority.

To curtail the spread of COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer yesterday signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations which are unnecessary to sustain or protect life.

If you are based in Michigan or have a facility there, then you know that, on Monday, March 23, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-21, titled “Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.” 

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced that businesses and operations remaining open under EO 2020-21 must take additional precautions to protect employees, effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 12:00pm. 

As you know, on Monday, March 23, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-21, titled “Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.”  This is also being referred to as the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order

We have been inundated with closings, postponements, and cancellations. The new operative phrase of 2020 is “social distancing.”  On March 18, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court released its administrative order limiting court proceedings to the barest of essential functions.

On March 20, 2020, a joint statement released by the Department of Homeland Security announced an agreement with Mexico to restrict nonessential travel to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The restrictions commenced at 12.01 am Saturday, March 21 throughout the US-Mexico land border for a period of 30 days subject to extension upon review. No Federal Register notice has been issued to date.

Butzel Long has assembled a team to operate immediately to answer urgent client questions regarding the governor’s Executive Order 2020-21. Those clients looking for answers as to whether they need to close tomorrow and/or how they need to change business practices should schedule a call with our team. The team is prepared to have calls directly with clients this afternoon and beyond to address those most urgent questions.

Earlier this morning, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No 2020-21, titled “Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.”  This is also being referred to as the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. This is in response to the spread of Covid-19, also known as the Coronavirus.

The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved economic relief for Michigan small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

As the number of cases (and deaths related to) COVID-19 continue to spiral globally, local,  state and national governments have taken dramatic steps to try and mitigate the spread of the virus and its potential to overwhelm available health care systems and medical supplies.

The U.S. Department of State which presides over the U.S. Consulates throughout the world advised that all Consular Post routine services have been suspended.  

Yesterday, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This new law helps many American families dealing with the impact of the coronavirus by providing increased funding for food, Medicaid, unemployment assistance, and covers testing for the virus.

Earlier this week, the Consumer Brands Association sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to more actively pursue retailers looking to take advantage of the coronavirus outbreak through price gouging on essential products.

Contact your labor and employment attorney early on in the process as the law and circumstances relating to COVID-19 are changing daily.