KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Southwest Michigan’s congressional representative visited locations in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, seeing how hospitals and local organizations are preparing for the COVID-19 virus.
WMMT reports that Rep. Fred Upton made stops at healthcare locations in the city and met with staff at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
On Thursday, March 19th Michigan confirmed the third death from coronavirus by a state resident. The number of individuals tested positive by state health officials also has reached 110, just more than a week after the first cases were reported in Michigan.
The trip was scheduled as Upton’s staff in both Kalamazoo and Washington were asked to conduct work from home during the outbreak.
In a released statement, Upton says he supports legislative action that aims to curb the spread of the illness.
This week congress passed a $100 billion dollar bill to fund free coronavirus testing, paid sick leave for workers, and food assistance for children out of school.
“It’s all hands on deck. We need to break this cycle, and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a step to helping us do just that,” Upton said in a statement.
Another relief bill could cost more than $1 trillion dollars and potentially include direct payments of $1000 for citizens, with billions in funding for small businesses and impacted industries like airliners.
