LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that recreational venues and restaurants dependent on indoor dining can postpone their monthly sales and use taxes due at the end of the month during a news conference Thursday afternoon.
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The taxes have been postponed until Jan. 20, 2021 and the state's treasury will waive all penalties and interest for 31 days, Whitmer said.
Whitmer also announced a new commission designated to educated Michiganders on COVID-19 vaccines.
The Protect Michigan Commission will provide information to Michiganders about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and reinforce the importance of everyone getting vaccinated.
Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, former Lieutenant Gov. Brian Calley, Blake Griffin of the Detroit Pistons and others will lead the commission.
“This bipartisan group of leaders is uniquely equipped to help reinforce the importance of everyone getting vaccinated," Whitmer said "Until we eliminate COVID-19 once and for all, we must continue to wear masks, practice safe social distancing and wash hands frequently. Let’s all continue to do our part.”
The commission will serve in an advisory capacity to the governor.
Khaldun provided an update on COVID-19 statistics in the state and vaccine distribution plans.
All regions in Michigan have seen a decline in case rates over the past week.
Michigan will receive about 84,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine next week if it gets approved.
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Khaldun also said it's important for every adult to be making plans for how they will get the vaccine, and to expect mild symptoms after getting it.
Those symptoms include a sore arm, a low-grade fever or general malaise.
"That is something to expect," Khaldun said. "It means that the vaccine is working."
Whitmer says there are "no conversations around mandates" forcing individuals to get the vaccine.
READ MORE: CORONAVIRUS IN WEST MICHIGAN