LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the state health department may consider extending some or all of the most recent restrictions for restaurants, theaters, schools, and others beyond December 8.
At a press briefing Thursday, Whitmer noted progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, but she said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has not decided whether it’s enough to ease restrictions.
The state health department issued an epidemic order imposing a three-week pause of dine-in service at restaurants, closing all high schools statewide and adding other restrictions from November 18 to December 8.
Whitmer pointed out that Michigan’s COVID-19 spread and the increase in coronavirus hospitalizations appears to be leveling off after explosive growth in early November. But she said the state remains at a tipping point in battling the illness.
“Right now it’s a really dangerous moment,” Whitmer said.
While Michigan’s daily counts of newly confirmed coronavirus cases have declined from the peak above 9,000 per day and hospitalizations for the illness are flat this week, Whitmer said health officials will be looking for those numbers to come down more.
She said that depends on people following orders, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, avoiding gatherings and washing their hands often.
