Lansing Chamber launches COVID-19 helpline for businesses

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25 — As coronavirus cases continue to bog down operations at the Ingham County Health Department, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce has started fielding basic questions from local businesses with concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Beginning today, local businesses are still required to report employee cases to the health department, which can be done through an online form, but any questions they have will go to the Chamber first. Those calls and emails will only be escalated to county officials as needed.

Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said her staff has simply been too busy to handle them.

“Many businesses have similar questions and concerns,” Vail added in a press release. “Staff were essentially answering the same questions over and over. Cases are widespread now and our pandemic response strategy has changed. We cannot continue to provide this level of support, but we did not want to leave businesses without resources. The Chamber has been a tremendous partner throughout the entire pandemic and offered to step into this role.”

The health department, in turn, is now focusing its efforts on priority cases and situations including: outbreaks; people over age 65 years; people under age 18 years; anyone linked to an acute care, skilled nursing or long-term care facility; anyone linked to a school (including child care facilities, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities); and any time a death has occurred.

“This is an unprecedented time and challenge for local businesses,” Chamber CEO Tim Daman, said in a statement. “The Chamber has a long history of providing tools and resources to local businesses, and this is another opportunity to provide support. Timely and accurate advice regarding cases in the workplace keeps businesses open and ensures employee safety.”

Businesses can ask questions via email at relaunch@lansingchamber.org or at 517-853-6442.