Arguing that “Now is not the time to get complacent,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the current State of Emergency declaration in the state to Thursday, July 16th.
The governor today signed Executive Order 2020-127, which extends the state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic until July 16th. In doing so, she joins nearly every state in the country in maintaining a state of emergency to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. She says this executive order will allow her to continue taking action to protect Michigan families and workers.
In extending the order, Whitmer says, “The aggressive measures we took at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have worked to flatten the curve, but there is still more to be done to prevent a second wave,” and adds, “We owe it to the heroes on the front lines to keep doing our part by wearing a mask when in public and practicing social distancing. Now is not the time to get complacent. We must continue to stay vigilant and flexible in order to reduce the chance of a second wave.”
A new report released by the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team shows the aggressive actions taken to protect Michigan families from the spread of COVID-19 have significantly lowered the number of cases and deaths that would have occurred had the state done nothing. Whitmer says that without intervention, Michigan might have experienced 28,000 more positive cases before June 1st.
Whitmer adds, “The data backs it up: The Stay Home, Stay Safe Order undeniably saved lives,” and notes, “Very few states dropped their infection rate as low and for as long as Michigan has, and I want thank everyone who stepped up to do their part to protect our communities.”
With the reduction in COVID-19 case counts, Governor Whitmer has relaxed restrictions over the last several weeks on business activities and daily life. On June 1st, she announced that most of the state would move to Phase 4 of the governor’s Start plan, allowing retailers and restaurants to resume operations. Hair salons and other personal care services followed two weeks later, and on June 10th, the Upper Peninsula and the region surrounding Traverse City were moved to Phase 5 allowing for the reopening of movie theaters, gyms and bowling alleys. If current trends continue the rest of the state will be moved to Phase 5 by July 4th.
To view Executive Order 2020-127, click the link below:
