LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sounding the warning bell as coronavirus cases are rising across Michigan.
During a press briefing on Thursday, the governor expressed her concerns over the steady rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. She says this began when the Michigan Supreme Court decided to strike down several of her executive orders.
The governor also stated, that “herd immunity” goes against the recommendations of health experts and called it “inhumane.” “This virus is not done with us yet,” Whitmer said, “and this virus does not care about a Supreme Court decision.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
(Photo courtesy of the Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)
In fact, when it comes to daily new coronavirus cases, Michigan is now at a peak higher than what the state saw back in April. Whitmer explained that states throughout the Midwest, especially Wisconsin, are seeing a similar rise in cases.
“We need to take this seriously,” Whitmer said, “We need to double down on wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing.” She adds that this is a major concern as the flu season is approaching and as more people are spending more time indoors.
Governor Whitmer adds that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ epidemic orders do still require the wearing of face masks in public places and restrictions on a number of gatherings. This was also the first press briefing where Governor Whitmer and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun kept their face masks on the entire meeting instead of taking them off at the podium.
She is also urging the legislature to make the unemployment benefits permanent and is continuing to push for a mask mandate within Michigan’s Capitol building.
Dr. Khaldun says “we’re at a critical time with COVID-19.” Michigan’s case rate is now at 131 cases per million people per day which is 80% more than one month ago, according to Khaldun.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun
(Photo courtesy of the Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)
She adds that the state is doing well with testing, but the percent of positive tests is increasing, and now stands at 4.9%.
Outbreaks are also a major concern. Dr. Khaldun says there are 393 COVID-19 outbreaks across the state with the top settings being long-term care facilities, educational settings, and social gatherings. She adds that those attending religious gatherings must also take proper precautions and those dining out should wear their mask until the moment they are eating.
Governor Whitmer did not specifically explain if another shutdown or a step back on reopening is possible. She says they’re “sounding the alarm bells” and adds that “our numbers are not good.”
The full press briefing can be found on the governor’s Facebook page. More coronavirus data and other information can be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
