As Michigan marks the one-year anniversary of the arrival of COVID-19 on our doorstep, the state’s Governor and Lt. Governor took time this afternoon to reflect on the anniversary of the pandemic, and shared a 5-minute video on the occasion.
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist released the video on social media, with the governor saying, “One year ago, our world changed as we knew it. Between the pandemic, a 500-year flood, and losing nearly 16,000 Michiganders to COVID-19, our state has had a challenging year.” She adds, “In the past year we have made strides against the virus because of decisive action to stay home, socially distance, and wear a mask. Now, we’re in the second half against the virus thanks to three safe, effective vaccines that will help protect you, your family, and others, and get our country and economy back to normal.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist says, “On the anniversary of COVID-19 in Michigan, we join together in remembrance of the 16,000 Michiganders who passed away from this terrible virus, including 27 people in my own life who I miss daily,” adding, “Now we have an opportunity to build a bright future in the name of those who we had to say goodbye to far too early. This virus has been hard for all of us, but has also showed us the everyday heroes among us. We will beat this virus by standing united against COVID-19.”
The Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration says they have been focused on acting quickly, listening to experts, and following the data and science to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Vaccines are key to returning to normal, and as of March 8th, Michigan has administered 2,689,248 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating 70-percent of Michiganders age 16 and older as soon as possible.
The video can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4i7ImfdPLs
