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Governor Whitmer has signed an executive order, formally declaring a state of disaster.
The order also recognizes an expanded scope of economic, educational and civic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and arms Governor Whitmer’s administration to fully address the devastation caused by the virus.
“Since Michigan announced our first confirmed cases of COVID-19 three weeks ago, we have taken some of the most aggressive measures in the country to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect Michigan families,” Said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s action will allow my administration to respond more effectively to every facet of this crisis. During this time, it’s crucial that Michiganders continue to stay home and keep their distance from others. We will get through this together.”
Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said “The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan is still climbing, and we must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread. The Governor has taken a number of critical steps to protect Michigan families, and this order today will allow that work to continue. I will keep working closely with the governor and our partners across state government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.“
Governor Whitmer has also sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield requesting a concurrent resolution extending this declared state of emergency and disaster under Executive Order 2020-33 by 70 days from the date of the resolution.
To date, Michigan has over 9,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 337 deaths.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has 13 confirmed cases with Houghton, Chippewa and Mackinac Counties having one case each, while Gogebic County has 2 cases with the U.P. ‘s only death.
Delta County has 3 cases and Marquette County is up to 5 confirmed cases.
Governor Whitmer will be holding a press conference this morning at 10:30a, to update the state on the latest in the COVID-19 battle.
