LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) today pointed to new facts released by the federal government as the latest showcase of Michigan’s failing rural infrastructure, a crisis that threatens one of our state’s leading economic drivers and harms quality of life for rural families.
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April 6, 2021 — MDHHS has reinstated 14-day quarantines for those who have close contact with someone who has COVID-19. The change is included in an updated guidance document issued yesterday and available here.
The document reads (on page 13): Due to increasing case rates and variant spread in Michigan, MDHHS has reinstated a standard 14-day quarantine for close contacts of COVID-19 cases. This will remove the option of reducing quarantine to 10 days, effective April 5, 2020.
We continue to see COVID-19 case rates increase in Michigan, and many hospitals are once again reportedly reaching their capacity, including in rural areas. As of April 5, any Michigander age 16 and up is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine for more information. Contact the MABA office if you have questions.
March 30, 2021 – While Michiganders age 16+ aren’t officially eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine until April 5, Governor Whitmer this morning said providers should fill any appointments that are requested. From Crain’s Detroit Business:
With a week to go until the state is officially opening COVID-19 vaccines to anyone over age 16, the governor said providers should not turn away individuals under age 50 who are not yet eligible. “We are encouraging providers of the vaccine to fill every slot even if they don’t have someone in the priority groups right now,” Whitmer said in an interview with Crain’s. “If it is someone (age) 16 and up and they’ve got a slot that’s open, we’re encouraging them to fill them. “Because the quicker we can get to that 70 percent-plus (vaccinated) number, the better for every one of us.”
MABA continues to encourage everyone to register for a vaccine. Do so by:
Note that state officials have said it is OK, and even encouraged, to register with multiple services and cancel those you don’t use once you are scheduled.
March 26, 2021 — While the below guidance from February remains helpful in navigating the Secretary of State’s website, we have heard from many members experiencing delays in securing appointments during the past 7-10 days. This is expected to moderate over the next 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, we are working with members on an extremely limited basis to help them process absolutely critical transactions (such as for seasonal drivers who have already been hired and are not yet able to drive due to lack of a CDL). If this applies to you, reach out ASAP to us by email at maba@miagbiz.org.
February 24 — With spring fast approaching, we strongly advise anyone who will need a seasonal CDL permit or other services from the Michigan Department of State to get those items taken care of as soon as possible. Operating conditions at the Secretary of State’s office have improved since last spring, when offices were generally closed due to COVID-19. SOS offices statewide are open and appointments continue to be scheduled online. “Walk-in” services are unavailable. It is important to point out that staff members of the Secretary of State’s office and those in branch offices statewide have done world-class work the past year to keep commerce moving during the pandemic. They are working hard to help us!
It is generally possible to get an SOS appointment on the next business day; however because services are not “back to normal,” it will be important to plan ahead this year in case there are delays. MABA will not be able to help direct-process transactions this year as we did in 2020, but we will be a resource for you if you have questions about navigating Secretary of State services.
Are you trying to schedule an appointment but don’t see any availability? The first step is to check the scheduling system again at specific times. Try to secure your appointment just after 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM Eastern Time. SOS opens new appointments for the next business day at these times.
Seasonal CDL Appointments
For those needing seasonal CDL appointments, please follow these guidelines:
1. Visit the SOS online scheduling system to find a location near you; select a location.
2. Select Driver’s License/ID Replacement or Correction
3. You will see available dates and times. If the next day doesn’t appear as an option, check back at 8:00 or 12:00 daily, and/or check other locations near you.
4. Select a time for your appointment.
5. On the next page, select Adding Seasonal CDL as the purpose of the visit.
Once you make an appointment, be certain to use it. No-showing a scheduled SOS appointment will result in substantial delays.
MABA appreciates the ongoing cooperation and assistance of Department of State staff as we all navigate the pandemic. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, contact the MABA office at maba@miagbiz.org.
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