MI Stay-Home-Order Extended As State Hits 1K Coronavirus Deaths

MICHIGAN — The stay-at-home order in Michigan has been extended as the numbers of statewide coronavirus cases and deaths attributed to the virus continue to rise.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Thursday extending the stay-at-home order through April 30, which follows the same timeline set by the extension of the state's emergency declaration from Monday. Meanwhile, the state announced another 1,158 cases and 117 new deaths Thursday, bringing the statewide totals to 21,504 and 1,076.

“Michigan has the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing," Whitmer said in a prepared statement. "We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families."

Whitmer added that data shows most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home, but she urged residents to keep it up.

"When we do, we can save lives and shorten the amount of time we’re working through this crisis, which will be good for our families and good for our economy in the long run," she said. "We can also protect critical infrastructure workers like doctors, nurses, grocery store employees, and child care workers. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that people stay home and stay safe.”

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Michigan surpassed the 20,000-case mark Wednesday. Only New York and New Jersey have had more confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to data from the World Health Organization.

The United States continues to have more cases than any other country, with more than 452,500 reported as of Thursday along with almost 16,130 deaths.

The stay-at-home order is another attempt by the state to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s clear that staying home is the most effective way we can slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “This aggressive action will help us protect more people and ease the strain on our health care system.”

“This doesn’t mean everything will go back to normal on May 1," Whitmer said. "But based on the data we have right now, this is the appropriate window for an extension. It will take time to safely and responsibly reopen the economy, which is why we will continue to provide critical unemployment support and assistance to our small businesses during this challenging time. We will get through this if we all continue to do our part.”

Anyone who leaves their home or place of residence must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including remaining at least 6 feet from people from outside the person’s household, according to the executive order.

A new section of the order imposes restrictions on stores in an effort to reduce crowds. Large stores must limit the number of people in the store at one time to no more than four customers for every 1,000 square feet of customer floor space. Small stores must limit capacity to 25 percent of the total occupancy limits (including employees) under the fire codes.

To regulate entry, stores must establish lines with markings for patrons to enable them to stand at least 6 feet apart from one another while waiting. Large stores must also close areas of the store that are dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries or paint.

Earlier Thursday, the state announced that the TCF Center in Detroit would receive its first 25 patients Friday as the former convention center transforms into a makeshift field hospital for coronavirus patients. Officials have said the center will be able to house 1,000 patients.

Whitmer announced that the TCF Center hospital would be operated through a partnership of local health systems, including Henry Ford Health System, McLaren Health Care, Beaumont Health and the Detroit Medical Center.

The state has also continued to push resources it has made available for those dealing with the ramifications of the coronavirus, or resources that continue to exist despite the crisis. Whitmer on Thursday reiterated that resources for victims of sexual assault remain available.

Whitmer's office announced that the state's sexual assault hotline, 855-VOICES4, continues to operate and provide 24/7, free and confidential support to survivors of sexual assault, their family and friends.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Dana Nessel's office has urged state residents to beware of door-to-door scammers that may utilize fears surrounding the coronavirus to their advantage.

Nessel said residents should beware of door-to-door scammers who may try to pose as government officials offering information on stimulus checks, unemployment benefits or other programs and services in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more:

• How You Can Help Michiganders Without Food Due To The Coronavirus
• Detroit Business Owners: Open or Closed? Let Local Customers Know
• Here's How Well Wayne County Complies With Stay-At-Home Order