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Municipal Law News
  
  

Reopening Michigan Municipalities - June 4, 2020

As the "stay home" restrictions in Michigan begin to relax and municipalities begin to physically return to work, it is important to stay current on the updated laws, policies and regulations related to COVID-19. Below is a special edition of the Foster Swift Municipal Law Newsletter that is designed to assist businesses, municipalities and other entities understand the necessary precautions to open safely and efficiently.

In this issue:

  

  

  
   Handwashing   

Is Your Business' COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Good Enough?

Alexander J. Thibodeau

Since the widespread outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in March, Governor Whitmer has issued 112 Executive Orders (and rising) in an attempt to respond to, and prevent further spread of COVID-19. On March 23, Governor Whitmer signed Michigan’s first stay-at-home order, which required many businesses to temporarily close or significantly reduce operations.

Subsequent Executive Orders (2020-42 & 2020-59) have extended, modified, and clarified the requirements of the stay-at-home order and provided guidance for businesses still permitted to operate....

  

  

  
  

Is Your Municipality Protected? Cybersecurity risks and the Remote Workforce

Mark T. Koerner

On March 25, 2020 Governor Whitmer executed the state’s “stay-at-home” order to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Following the implementation of that order, municipalities had to immediately redefine continuity plans in order to keep employees working and to keep municipalities running.

On June 1, 2020, Governor Whitmer executed Executive Order 2020-110, effectively lifting the “stay-at-home” order and allowing some employees to physically return to work; however, Executive Order 2020-110 states that “[a]ny work that is capable of being performed remotely must be performed remotely.” Thus, having employees remotely working is here to stay, at least for the time being.

Having remote employees dramatically increases a municipality’s cyberattack surface, or all of the vulnerable points where a municipality is susceptible to cyberattack...

Read More

   Mark Koerner

Mark T. Koerner

Mark Email  Mark Phone

  

  

  
  

Transitioning Back – FOIA and OMA After COVID-19

Alexander J. Thibodeau

Many aspects of life have permanently changed due to COVID-19 while others have changed only temporarily until the virus is under control. Municipalities have adapted to the changes imposed by the virus in various ways and to different degrees, but nearly all local governments have been impacted by the inability to meet in person and the difficulties inherent to social distancing.

Although no permanent changes have been made to municipal procedures at the time of this writing, this article considers whether any of the temporary changes could survive COVID-19...

   Alex Thibodeau

Alexander J. Thibodeau

Alex Email  Alex Phone

  

  

  
  

Coronavirus Resources to Assist Michigan Businesses

During these difficult times, the Foster Swift law firm has been consistently updating a resource page relevant to the current pandemic and its impact on Michigan's small businesses, financial institutions, municipalities and other entities. This resource page is dedicated to providing attorney-written articles and recorded podcasts/webinars, along with other online resources relevant to Coronavirus/COVID-19 and its impact on numerous aspects of professional life.

Please note that while the articles on the resource page were accurate at the time of their publishing, due to constantly evolving laws and regulations, please consult your attorney and/or advisor to make sure you have the most current information available before taking action.

  

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Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC E-Newsletters are intended for general information for our clients and friends. This newsletter highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how this information applies to any specific situation.

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