Greater Lansing on pause amid coronavirus outbreak  

This listing is updated frequently. A time/date will be provided for when it was last updated.

Updated: Monday, March 23, 8:57 p.m.     

Greater Lansing is on hold as the coronavirus infection spreads and precautions go into full force. 

Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order demands all residents stay in their homes for the next three weeks unless they’re doing an outdoor activity, are part of a “critical infrastructure workforce,” or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family — like a trip to the hospital or picking up supplies at a grocery store. Under state law, those who violate the order could face a misdemeanor charge. 

When residents leave their homes, they’re also required under the executive order to adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the CDC, including remaining at least six feet from people outside their immediate household “to the extent feasible under the circumstances,” according to a statement from Whitmer’s office. 

While the recent restrictions still allow for carryout and delivery from Michigan restaurants, Whitmer said her ongoing shutdown mandate on schools and restaurant dining rooms will also continue until at least April 13. 

Other places — like gyms, spas, theaters, hair and nail salons, tattoo shops and other retailers — have already been shuttered under another executive order last week. Some had already proactively closed their doors. 

Here’s a listing of some of the cancellations, closures, resources and preventative measures in Greater Lansing: 

State of Michigan

The Secretary of State's office will mail absentee voter applications to all voters for the May 5 election. Clerks across the state are still determining whether elections will be held. 

All visits to state prisons are halted until further notice.  

By executive order, restrictions are in place on entry into health care facilities and juvenile justice facilities until at least April 5. All hospitals, care facilities and juvenile justice facilities are screening and restricting visitors. 

By executive order, unemployment benefits are expanded to workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised and their families if they do not have access to paid leave. First responders in the public health sector are also covered should they become ill. Visit michigan.gov/uia for more information. 

State courts are suspending most operations and put limitations on which cases can proceed until at least April 3. Criminal or civil cases where the defendant is not in custody may be adjourned.  Caseloads may be reduced. 

Temporary rules from the Marijuana Regulatory Agency allow for retail curbside pickup at both recreational and medical dispensaries. In-store transactions have been suspended. Other restrictions have been removed for streamlined medical deliveries to patients. 

Offices and service centers at the state Unemployment Insurance Agency and the departments of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Health and Human Services and the Department of Natural Resources are closed. Some customers can be seen by appointment. MDHHS no longer requires residents to visit in-person for benefits. 

Eligible employees are encouraged to apply for benefits online at michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017.  Walk-up camping reservations, a result of field office closures, are unavailable. Visit michigan.gov/dnr for details. 

Small businesses scheduled to make monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments this month can postpone filing and payment requirements with the Department of Treasury until April 20 without penalties or interest. 

The Mackinac Bridge Authority and Eastbound Bluewater Bridge are not accepting cash tolls.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is offering collections assistance to newly unemployed residents currently paying on past-due state tax debts or other state debts. Visit michigan.gov/taxes or call 517-636-5265 for details.

Fish-stocking efforts at two locations in southeast Michigan — the Huron River in Oakland County and Spring Mill Pond in Livingston County — are postponed until mid-May.

The Department of Natural Resources has closed state park campgrounds and overnight lodging facilities until at least April 13. State parks and recreation areas remain open to the public. 

All Adopt-A-Highway pickups from April 18-26 and May 9-17 are canceled. The next scheduled pick up is July 18-26.

Lansing

A state of emergency is in effect until April 10.

Most city facilities — including City Hall, 54-A District Court and city community centers are closed. Only boards and commissions with “essential” decision-making duties or for matters with an imminent deadline, will meet. 

The Lansing City Council will not meet except for 5 p.m. Committee of the Whole and 7 p.m. City Council meetings on Mondays, only as necessary. Council members could meet remotely. Public comment will still be accepted. 

City building, home and routine rental inspections only occur on a limited basis until further notice. 

The Police Department is limiting in-person responses to violent crime and other priority calls. 

Lansing's streetside parking ban from 2-5 a.m. is not enforced until further notice. Staff will still enforce meters on a limited basis from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Tickets must be paid online at lansingmi.gov/parking-services. 

Community centers are closed until at least April 10.

All parks and recreation programming is suspended until further notice. Parks themselves remain open. 

Lansing Public Media Center equipment rentals are suspended through  April 30. Rentals are still due for returns.

The city will not charge residents any additional penalties for nonpayment of fines and fees through April 10. 

The 54-A District Court is closed through at least April 3. Staff will only be available to conduct “essential duties,” including daily criminal arrangements, but many services will be suspended and cases — including all civil proceedings — will be adjourned. Seniors and those with underlying health conditions can request adjournment. 

Additionally, new bench warrants for failure to appear in 54-A District Court are suspended. Court weddings are canceled. Defendants that aren’t already in custody can also have their proceedings delayed upon request. 

All non-essential business travel for city employees outside of Clinton, Ingham and Eaton counties is suspended until further notice. Many employees continue to work remotely. Others will still be paid during the closures. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Tax Prep Sites are closed until further notice. 

Lansing School District, while closed, is continuing to feed children and their families through “grab-and-go” style pick-up locations. The next program is scheduled for April 3.  Visit lansingschools.net/food for details. Call 517-755-2750 with questions.

All water shut offs are suspended until further notice by the Lansing Board of Water & Light

The Lansing Housing Commission is closed until at least April 5. Staff will work remotely or by appointment only. All new evictions at the Lansing Housing Commission have been suspended indefinitely.

Lansing's Treasury and Income Tax office is closed. The department is still processing payments, however, employees will not be in the office.  Income tax payments can be made online at lansingmi.gov/onlinepayment, over the phone by calling 855-474-4076 or at the dropbox on the west side of Lansing City Hall.  Property taxes for 2019 are considered delinquent and can only be paid at the Ingham County Treasurer's office in Mason. 

Public Housing and Section 8 tenants at risk of eviction due to late rent may be able to receive financial assistance, including help to avoid utility shut-offs. Call 517-487-4477 for an eligibility appointment.

East Lansing

A state of emergency is in effect until at least April 13 and could be extended by Mayor Ruth Beier, as deemed appropriate, until April 30. City employees are asked to work remotely when possible as many “non-essential” services are suspended. 

All city facilities — including City Hall, the Hannah Community Center, public libraries, the PrimeTime Seniors Program and the 54-B District Court — are closed. Additionally, all playground equipment, outdoor tennis and basketball courts and park shelters have been closed in local parks. 

The Northern Tail Dog Park is closed until further notice, though all parks and trails will remain open to the public. Residents are encouraged to maintain a six-foot distance from one another. 

All public meetings, including all scheduled events and programs, are canceled until further notice. 

The East Lansing Police Department is still operating  its 24/7 police desk, but non-essential services are suspended until further notice. Those include: preliminary breath tests, fingerprinting, firearms purchase permits, in-person firearm registration and all in-person transactions involving police records.

Freedom of Information Act requests are still processed online at cityofeastlansing.com. Other emergency services continue, but residents are asked to only request that assistance during an actual emergency. 

All hearings, including civil, criminal, traffic, parking and probation cases at 54-B District Court are suspended until at least April 5. New court dates have been sent by mail. All in-custody arraignments and emergency matters will still be conducted while the court’s business offices are closed. Additionally, late fees, penalties and bench warrants are not being issued for failing to appear for any courtroom proceedings. 

The East Lansing Department of Public Works maintains limited on-site staff. Bulk item collection and water shutoffs for non-payment are suspended. The DPW recycling drop-off site is closed. Field operations are working at “decreased levels,” but curbside trash and recycling is continuing to be collected as usual. 

East Lansing has staff available by phone on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept credit card payments for parking permits and water bills. Payments can also be made online. The phone line to City Hall will otherwise be placed on “night mode” and calls will be sent to voicemail. 

Income tax returns and first-quarter estimated payments are due on July 31, pending any additional changes from the state or federal government. Tax collection staff will return calls and emails on weekdays. Vendors and employees continue to be paid. 

East Lansing’s Building Division still processes permits and perform inspections as needed, though with limited staffing and a goal of limiting entry into structures. Residents can call 517-319-6878 to leave a message.

The East Lansing Planning and Zoning Division is processing zoning compliance reviews for building permits only. New planning and zoning applications are not accepted. Call 517-319-6861 for more information. 

Residents can still apply for East Lansing Public Library cards online. Items currently checked out are not due back while the library is closed. Renewals are automatic; Fines will not be assessed. The drive-up book drop is open and checked on a limited basis. Book and material donations are not accepted until further notice. 

Ingham County

Capital Area District Library branches are closed and all events are canceled. 

The Ingham County Clerk’s Office is closed to the public until at least April 5. 

The Ingham County Prosecutor's office is suspending operations through April 5, but will remain open for "essential" functions like felony preliminary exams or matters pertaining to in-custody defendants. Warrants will still be reviewed and authorized for cases involving "serious violence or risk of violence," officials said. 

Additionally, diversion clients are instructed to report by phone or mail. Personal protection orders, involuntary commitment hearings, some review hearings involving juvenile justice or child protective cases may continue.

Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter is closed until further notice.  Pet food is available to low-income households outside both the Outreach Center and ICACS in Mason. Shelter employees and animal control officers are still working full shifts to care for remaining dogs and cats and to enforce animal-related issues. 

All Capital Area Michigan Works! American Job Centers are closed to the public. Essential services will continue to be provided virtually. Visit camw.org for more information. 

Michigan State University

All classes will be offered only in virtual settings through the conclusion of the semester, including finals. Commencement has also been postponed. MSU will make “every effort” to reschedule. All students are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residences, and employees are encouraged to work remotely if possible. 

In-person dining at residence halls has been suspended and replaced with only take-out orders. 

The MSU Bookstore is offering free shipping on all products sitewide. 

All events scheduled at the Wharton Center — including performances of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra — have been canceled through March 25. Performances of Wicked from April 7-19 will continue as scheduled.  

Many students staying in residence halls that leave campus by 5 p.m. on April 12 are eligible to receive $1,120 in cash or credits toward future, on-campus expenses. Visit liveon.msu.edu for more information. 

Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College operates in a fully online environment. All buildings are closed and all face-to-face classes that cannot be taught online are suspended until further notice.  Visit lcc.edu/coronavirus for details. 

Sports

Every sporting event at the high school, collegiate and professional level is postponed or canceled in Greater Lansing. This includes the Lansing Lugnuts and all sports at MSU.

Business/Other

The Capital Area Transportation Authority's downtown transit center is closed and  service to a series of local CATA bus routes is reduced. Residents are asked only to board the bus if necessary. Visit cata.org for details. 

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership is collecting information from small business owners in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties to identify areas of most critical need and to help bring awareness to existing assistance. Small business owners are encouraged to submit feedback and suggestions online. 

The Women's Center of Greater Lansing, 1712 E. Michigan Ave., is offering curbside, personal needs packs on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Packs include feminine hygiene products, shampoo and conditioner, soap, deodorant and toothbrushes. 

Meijer now closes overnight and has adjusted its hours to provide dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens, customers with health conditions, essential service workers and team members. Meijer stores (and Express convenience shops) close now overnight at 10 p.m. and reopen at 8 a.m. Fuel sales will continue 24/7.

Additionally, Meijer stores and pharmacies are only open to senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions from 7-8 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Dedicated shopping times for essential service workers and Meijer employees is 7-8 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday. 

Whole Foods in East Lansing is only open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is only open to senior citizen shoppers from 8-9 a.m.  All other customers are able to shop from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union has closed certain branches and made others available by appointment only. Visit msufcu.org for more details on specific locations. 

Many area churches are suspending some services and moving some services entirely online.  The Catholic Diocese of Lansing has suspended public masses and events across all of its 73 parishes until at least April 8. 

All Rotary Club of Lansing meetings are canceled until at least April 17. 

Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, under Whitmer's executive order, is using enhanced screening procedures for all caregivers and visitors at a makeshift tent outside its facilities. Those experiencing certain, flu-like symptoms are not able to enter the main hospital. Additional visitor restrictions may be in place. 

Additionally, Sparrow's Physicians Health Plan is extending premium payment grace periods from 30 days to 90 days and waive all member cost-share for telehealth benefits in employer and individual plans. Visit phpmichigan.com or sparrow.org/coronavirus for more details on the recent adjustments. 

Delta Township offices — including the library and its administrative building — are closed and public meetings are canceled through April 5. Additional details and routine updates for the township are available at deltami.gov. 

Meridian Township buildings are closed or have limited access to the public. Large gatherings — including sporting events — have been canceled, including the Winter Farmers’ Market on Saturday and April 4.  

Delhi Township offices are open, but residents are asked to handle as much business as possible by phone, online or at the 24-hour dropbox in front of the Township Hall. Passport services, the senior center and the Holt Farmers' Market are closed through April 6. "Recreation activities" in Delhi Township are also canceled until April 13. 

Amtrak Midwest has made a series of travel adjustments in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Those planning to travel should check their train status at amtrak.com prior to departure. 

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment for a donation.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank is accepting monetary donations to assist in local response efforts at greaterlansingfoodbank.org.

Arts and Entertainment

Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. is postponing its scheduled performance of “Cost of Living.” 

Riverwalk Theatre is postponing all performances.  

Starlight Dinner Theatre is canceling its May musical.

Stoop Fest is postponed. 

Mac's Bar is closed until April. Refunds are available. 

Celebration Cinema is closed until further notice. 

LCC Theatre is postponing its spring semester productions. 

Broad Art Museum is currently closed to the public. 

Capital City Film Festival is postponed until summer. 

Mac’s Bar Monday Comedy Night Planned Parenthood fundraiser is postponed and all comedy booking will cease until at least mid-April. 

The Lansing Collectable Toy Comic & Record Show is canceled. 

The Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center is closed through April 12. All programs, events and open hours are canceled.  Updates will be posted at lansingartgallery.org.

City Pulse also needs your support now more than ever. Advertising — almost all our revenue —  has fallen sharply because of closures due to the coronavirus. Our staff is working seven days a week to help keep you informed. Please do what you can at this time to contribute to the City Pulse Fund. All donations are tax-deductible.