Whitmer Extends Michigan Emergency Declaration

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended the state's declaration of emergency as Michigan continues to combat the coronavirus.

Whitmer on Friday signed Executive Order 2020-165, which extends the emergency declaration through Sept. 4. The declaration was set to expire on Tuesday.

“We are in a crucial time in our fight against COVID-19, and we must do everything we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis from a second wave,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Today, I signed new emergency and disaster declarations using independent sources of statutory authority to continue saving lives. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to protect Michiganders from the spread of this virus.

"I want to remind everyone in Michigan to wear a mask, practice safe physical distancing, and do everything in your power to fight COVID-19.”

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A state of emergency is different than a statewide stay-home order, which was lifted in Michigan back in June. The emergency status allows the state governor to issue certain orders and restrictions on residents due to the emergency.

Whitmer said every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases over the past several weeks, and daily case counts in late July exceeded 50 cases per million statewide. Michigan’s statewide positivity rate has also increased, from a low of 2 percent in mid-June to 3.5 percent in late July, Whitmer's office said.

The increase in cases reflects a national trend: cases of the coronavirus are growing or holding steady in 40 states and deaths from the virus are increasing in most of those states as well, according to Whitmer's office.

While cases in Michigan have increased since June, its numbers are below the national average, with roughly a 3.5 percent positivity rate in Michigan compared to 9 percent nationally, and considerably lower than surrounding states, Whitmer's office said.

“COVID-19 is still devastating families across Michigan, and it’s crucial that Governor Whitmer continue to take swift action to save lives,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state's Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health. “I will continue to work alongside her as we make decisions to protect families’ health and safety. Michiganders should still do their part by wearing a mask and practicing safe physical distancing. Be smart, and stay safe.”

Whitmer said that even as Michigan experiences unemployment rates not seen in decades, federal pandemic unemployment assistance has expired, with Congress deadlocked over a renewal. Until it is renewed, the additional $600 federal pandemic benefit will no longer flow to Michigan families. Without that money, many families in Michigan will struggle to pay their bills or even put food on the table, she said.

In addition to these challenges, many Michigan students will return to in-person instruction over the next month, increasing the risk of outbreaks, Whitmer's office said.

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