Good news for those feeling the hit of the state order to close all restaurants and bars in the Michigan.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an order today allowing staff at restaurants, clubs, movie theaters, performance venues, fitness centers, indoor exercise facilities, spas and casinos to recieve state jobless benefits. The order is effective immediately March 16 until Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59 p.m., according to Whitmer’s office.

With the order, Michigan's unemployment benefit eligibility period also will increase from 20 weeks to 26 weeks and workers have 28 days to file a claim.

These benefits will be offered to:

-- Workers dealing with an unanticipated family care responsibility due to school closures or a loved one who is ill.
-- Workers who are sick, quarantined or unable to work and who don't have access to paid leave options.
-- First responders and health care workers who become ill after exposure to a patient with COVID-19, which is the illness caused by coronavirus.

Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/UIA or 1-866-500-0017. More information  on how to apply for benefits can be found by clicking here.

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