Contributed by Bob Wheaton, wheatonb@michigan.gov
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is issuing the following statement regarding a lawsuit challenging the department’s order that requires testing to protect farm and food processing employees from COVID-19:
This is a meritless lawsuit and an unfortunate use of valuable time in a difficult period. In just the last week, the number of new and outstanding COVID-19 outbreaks related to farms, food processing and migrant camps nearly doubled from 11 to 21. The purpose of requiring testing in these places is to save lives. The order applies regardless of race. The department is covering the costs of testing and offering housing and other supports to help both workers and their employers. We appreciate that many producers and processors are working with us to save lives and secure the food supply, and we urge farm industry leaders to join us.