Aggressive Actions To Stop Coronavirus Spread Worked: Whitmer

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer believes a recently released study shows the aggressive actions she took to prevent the spread of the coronavirus helped save lives in Michigan.

On Thursday, Whitmer cited a report by the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team when she issued a statement saying very few states had dropped their coronavirus rates as low and for as long as Michigan has.

“Throughout this crisis, the vast majority of Michiganders have done the right thing by staying safer at home," Whitmer said in a statement. "Those who have done their part, especially the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis, have helped us flatten the curve and save lives. Our action is working, but we must stay vigilant and flexible in order to lower the chance of a second wave."

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Michigan reported 218 new cases of the coronavirus Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 59,496. Health officials also announced another 26 deaths attributed to the virus, bringing Michigan's death toll to 5,737. Michigan has reported the ninth most cases in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization.

But Whitmer's office said the numbers could have been much higher. As Whitmer announced the Stay Home, Stay Safe order and other measures to combat the spread of the virus, the rate of infection fell, her office said.

Whitmer cited the report in saying that before public health measures were put in place, the average Michigander spread the virus to three other people. As measures were implemented and adherence grew, Michigan’s infection rate decreased to 2.5 people, then 1.25, then 0.8. Throughout April, a person with the coronavirus infected an average of less than one other person, allowing the curve to fall.

Michigan has significantly ramped up testing for the coronavirus, with more than 250 testing sites across the state. In May, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state's leading health official, announced expanded testing criteria to include any Michigander who exhibits any symptom of the coronavirus, has been exposed to a person diagnosed with the virus or has symptoms, has been working outside their home for at least 10 days, or resides or works in any congregate setting, such as a long-term care facility, prison or jail, homeless shelter, or migrant housing facility.

“The data shows that our aggressive actions against this virus are working, and that implementing them has saved lives,” Khaldun said. “We will continue to closely monitor the data and work with experts to ensure we lower the chance of a second wave and further protect Michigan families.”

In recent weeks, the state has slowly begun reopening sectors of its economy. The process, laid out in Whitmer's MI Safe Start Plan, began with real estate, construction and other low contact, outdoor work. Northern portions of the state were allowed to reopen first, due in part to a lower population size.

Bars and restaurants were able to open to dine-in service Monday. On Wednesday, bowling alleys and movie theaters, as well as a bevy of other businesses, were able to open. Barbershops and salons can open June 15.

"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," Whitmer said. "We will get through this together.”

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