Find MiBiz Coronavirus coverage below. This page will be updated with new stories.
Week of March 30, 2020
- The Rapid cuts bus capacity to allow social distancing
- MSU works to get med school, nursing program graduates to hospitals early
- The Rapid plans 270 layoffs during ‘unprecedented’ coronavirus outbreak
- Auto supplier Benteler lays off more than 1,000 West Michigan workers
- Tourism, workforce development spending on hold as Whitmer boosts COVID response
- Citing ‘uncharted waters with COVID-19,’ Meritage Hospitality suspends earnings guidance
- Kent County burns recyclables for electricity as coronavirus affects waste hauling
- Michigan hospitals request state approval for more than 2,500 emergency beds
- State permits restaurants to sell food, pantry items
- West Michigan coalition compiles COVID-19 resources for businesses, employees
- Herman Miller brings back manufacturing workers to focus on health care projects
- New state order gives hospitals staffing flexibility to treat COVID-19 patients
- Whitmer expands state unemployment benefits to self-employed, low-wage workers
- Arsenal of health: Manufacturers shift operations to meet needs during pandemic
- Race to add hospital capacity keeps West Michigan manufacturers on the job
- State, federal policymakers take action to keep businesses and workers afloat
- Pandemic could offer tipping point for telemedicine
- CRISIS MODE: West Michigan execs talk leadership strategies amid pandemic
- Work-sharing draws new attention as a ‘win-win’ alternative to layoffs
- Coronavirus price gouging spurs efforts to rein in ‘bad actor’ resellers
- Property managers take case-by-case approach with commercial tenants affected by pandemic
- COVID-19 slows progress on clean energy, electric vehicles
- West Michigan sports teams, events sidelined as they await next steps
- Employers take varied approaches to labor issues amid COVID-19
- Banks leverage new flexibility to help businesses get through pandemic
- Crisis could slow exits, but owners need to keep planning
- During pandemic, food-focused nonprofits face heightened demand, volunteer constraints
- Stock market volatility could affect philanthropy in years ahead
- Reporter’s Notebook: WFH tips to get through the quarantine
- FINDING A NEW NORMAL: Mental health pros offer advice for anxious employees, employers
Week of March 22, 2020
- Spectrum Health prepares GVSU facility for COVID-19 patients
- Battle Creek Unlimited doubles loan fund for businesses impacted by COVID-19
- MSU, The Right Place form task force to connect manufacturers to hospitals in need
- Prior to coronavirus closures, Michigan retailers expected strong spring
- Foundations partner for Mason County coronavirus relief fund
- Lack of clarity in Whitmer’s stay-home order frustrates small businesses
- Muskegon approves $150K in emergency loans for Lakeside businesses
- Herman Miller to pay workers during three-week shutdown
- Steelcase issues layoffs, slashes costs amid worries over coronavirus disruptions
- Whirlpool cites ‘unprecedented uncertainty’ over coronavirus in withdrawing 2020 guidance
- Consumers Energy continues construction while DTE halts plans
- Spectrum Health, Metro Health request donations of medical supplies
- Business groups seek more clarity, guidance in stay-home order
- Shelters face fundraising challenges but stay open, step up safety precautions
- Food and ag workers considered ‘essential’ under Whitmer’s stay-home order
- Construction companies assess what stay-home order means for projects
- Whitmer: Stay-home order gives health care providers ‘a fighting chance’ against COVID-19
- Whitmer issues stay-home order: ‘If you’re not an essential business, you need to close’
- Consumers CEO donates $1M to help Jackson businesses
- The Rapid reduces bus service in Grand Rapids area
- Bronson Healthcare appeals for supply donations
- Biz groups call on Whitmer to reject shelter-in-place order
Week of March 15, 2020
- Michigan unemployment claims continue to spike
- Whitmer executive order postpones all ‘non-essential’ medical procedures
- Graduated income tax campaign asks GOP leaders for online signature-gathering
- SBA commits to quick action on disaster loans to small businesses, nonprofits
- The Rapid limits public access to central station, closes Amtrak facility
- University of Michigan economists see second quarter recession
- Spectrum Health collecting protective equipment to sustain supply
- Federal disaster loans now available for Michigan small businesses
- Battle Creek Unlimited creates small business emergency fund
- State launches $20 million in small business relief
- Michigan unemployment claims rise 550% after widespread closures
- Herman Miller records higher sales, can’t offer guidance because of coronavirus uncertainty
- DeVos-owned distillery to donate hand sanitizer to area health care providers
- Wolverine withdraws 2020 guidance citing uncertainty, volatility due to coronavirus
- Fifth Third Bank outlines plans to help businesses hit by pandemic
- Grand Rapids bar to offer 100 free to-go meals daily to laid off workers
- Feds ease regulations to allow distilleries to make hand sanitizer
- Amtrak suspends service out of Grand Rapids, Holland
- State issues guidance for employers hoping to avoid layoffs
- Reports: Detroit Three automakers to close all North American factories
- Legislature approves additional $125M in coronavirus funding
- Whitmer eases path for hospitals to add capacity amid coronavirus pandemic
- Some West Michigan banks close lobbies in response to COVID-19
- Grand Rapids distillery lays off 50 to ensure employee income
- Business interruption insurance unlikely to cover most coronavirus-caused disruptions
- Marijuana businesses expedite curbside pickup, delivery after state issues temporary rules
- Unemployment benefit expansion among several options to shield small businesses
- Bronson cancels elective procedures; Blue Cross offer free telemed service
- City of Grand Rapids adjusts service over coronavirus concerns
- SBAM launching daily briefing webcast
- Office furniture trade show NeoCon postponed
- State restricts gatherings to 50 people or less
Arts and nonprofit organizations close, reschedule events in wake of coronavirus crisis
- Michigan banking groups say financial institutions will remain open amid pandemic
- GVSU economist predicts shallow recession in West Michigan; hospitality industry hardest hit
- Spectrum Health cancels non-urgent, non-emergency appointments for 2 weeks
- Michigan bar/restaurant closure ‘will be a bloodbath’
- Consumers Energy suspends shutoffs for seniors, low-income customers
- Spectrum Health offers drive-up coronavirus testing for patients with physician referral
- Kent County Health Department orders venues to halve capacity amid coronavirus concerns
- Virus concerns drive additional due diligence in M&A transactions
- Links for guidance and advice for employers coping with the coronavirus pandemic
- Automotive analysts see shifting dynamics amid coronavirus spread
- Employers must communicate with workers about coronavirus policies
Week of March 8, 2020
- Local bars, restaurants take precautions against coronavirus
- Coronavirus concerns cloud 2020 economic outlooks
- Higher ed transitions to online courses amid coronavirus pandemic
- AG Nessel: Beware of price-gouging in wake of coronavirus emergency declaration
- Hospitals prepared for potential surge in coronavirus patients, health group says
- State escalates coronavirus response after first confirmed cases
- ACG postpones Grand Rapids event over coronavirus concerns
- West Michigan public company stocks fall sharply amid coronavirus outbreak, oil tensions