MARQUETTE — More announcements regarding the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting government, businesses and other entities.

The Unemployment Insurance Agency said it will close its lobbies to visits from the public, except for customers with appointments. These changes will remain effective as long as necessary for the health and safety of the public.

UIA offices will continue to serve the public, and eligible employees are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits online at www.michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017. Details on how to apply are also available online.

“Michigan is doing all it can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are asking residents to protect their health by not going into group settings unless necessary,” UIA Director Steve Gray said in a news release. “Limiting public visits to our UIA lobbies and eliminating in-person registration and work search requirements are critical steps in this emergency.”

The fastest and best method for unemployment resources, he noted, can be found online at Michigan.gov/UIA. Residents may connect with the agency by calling 1-866-500-0017.

UIA online resources include:

≤ filing a claim for unemployment benefits;

≤ chatting with a customer service agent from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays;

≤ sending a message to a customer service agent after 5 p.m. weekdays, and before 8 a.m. weekdays, and weekends;

≤ and managing an account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-16 on Wednesday to expand the capacity for child care services for health care workers, first responders and other members of the essential workforce providing critical infrastructure to Michiganders during the coronavirus crisis.

The order provides temporary and limited relief from certain regulatory restrictions regarding child care services and facilitates the use of certain property for child care services.

The order, which is effective immediately, authorizes the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to issue expedited provisional licenses to expand capacity for child care services. It also allows employers such as hospitals to operate a disaster relief child care center for their employees. Finally, it allows both public and nonpublic school facilities to be used to maintain a disaster relief child care center focused on providing services for members of the essential workforce.

The Michigan Department of Treasury announced that small businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the pandemic now have additional time to make their sales, use and withholding tax monthly payments.

Effective immediately, small businesses scheduled to make their monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments on Friday can postpone filing and payment requirements until April 20. The treasury department will waive all penalties and interest for 30 days.

Michigan Funeral Directors Association Executive Director Phil Douma said in a news release that directors are taking action to adhere to local, state and federal guidance while still meeting the needs of grieving families.

The MFDA recommends families consider compiling funeral guest lists, issuing invitations, holding smaller services for immediate family members and delaying services when practical.

“Many funeral homes offer webcast services so extended family and friends can still pay their respects,” Douma said. “We recognize that these restrictions may add additional burden to grieving families, but the funeral professionals will continue to provide support families during this difficult time.”

The MDFA recommended funeral homes and the public take these precautions at funerals:

≤ Post a sign about the 50-person limit per Whitmer’s executive order;

≤ Post a sign asking those with cold or flu symptoms to refrain from attending services to protect others;

≤ Practice social distancing when seating mourners;

≤ Limit access points to services to keep an accurate attendance count;

≤ Place hand sanitizer, if available, at various stations during services;

≤ Remind attendees to practice proper infection-control precautions during the service; and

≤ Suspend food and beverage services in the funeral home.

State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, said Wednesday that his Senate office in Lansing is closed to the public during the coronavirus state of emergency.

“In following the recommendations of our medical professionals and elected leaders, I have closed my legislative office to limit social contact to help protect the health of the public and my staff,” McBroom said in a statement. “But just because our physical office is closed does not mean my staff and I are unavailable. We are continuing to work to serve the needs of the district’s residents, and we may be contacted by phone, email and social media as usual.”

To contact McBroom’s office, call 866-305-2038 toll-free or 517-373-7840. People may also email his office at SenEMcBroom@senate.michigan.gov.

Foot traffic restricted

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has closed shooting ranges and will restrict general public walk-in traffic at facilities statewide.

Fishing and hunting licenses, camping reservations and other items will remain available for purchase online. Hunting and fishing guides, as well as digests, also are available online. Burn permits are available free at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

The affected DNR offices will be open by appointment only to customers who need services such as obtaining hunting, fishing and charter licenses.

Regular deliveries will continue. These facilities include DNR fisheries research stations and hatcheries, forestry and wildlife field offices and visitor centers.

Access to the Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office administrative offices will be restricted, the office reported, and only essential personnel will be admitted. The lobby will remain open for business. Court-ordered preliminary breath testing and drug tests will continue as will sex offender registration and gun registration. Employment and concealed pistol license application fingerprints, though, are suspended.

Although jail inmate visits are suspended, inmates still will have access to their legal counsel and other mandated functions.

The Mackinac County Courthouse is open, but access to some offices might be limited. Courts have closed or limited their accessibility.

TruNorth Federal Credit Union in Ishpeming has temporarily suspended lobby access to its main, WalMart and Jubilee branches. It will be open for business through at the drive-through only at the main branch in Ishpeming until further notice.

The credit union’s drive-through will be open normal hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Night drops will be checked at all locations throughout business hours.

All ATM locations will be accessible during this time. ATMs are located at all three locations and surcharge-free ATMs can be searched through its website, trunorthcu.org.

Getting creative

The Peter White Public Library posted on Facebook that although it’s closed temporarily, its routers have been positioned so Wi-Fi is available anywhere in the parking lot. The network name is PWPL-ParkingLot.

The Home Builders Association of Michigan has made note of local building departments who have found new ways to provide essential services during the ongoing state and national COVID-19 emergency.

“Local building departments across the state have found new and innovative ways to issue permits and conduct inspections while protecting the health of the public and their employees,” said Robert Filka, CEO of the HBAM, in a news release. “Housing is among the most important factors in keeping people safe and healthy and we appreciate the actions building departments have taken to continue to support the residential construction industry towards that goal.”

While a small handful of local building departments have shuttered their doors and ceased operation, the HBAM reported the vast majority have continued to process permits and conduct essential inspections.

“The vast majority of building departments are still accepting and processing permits through drop-off boxes and electronic submissions,” Filka said. “Additionally, they have been turning to modified or virtual methods of inspection such as online plan review or video inspections.”

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net