Whitmer Extends Michigan State Of Emergency Through July 16

MICHIGAN — A day after hinting she would extend Michigan's state of emergency declaration through July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did just that.

Whitmer signed an executive order on Thursday extending the state's emergency declaration, which was set to expire Friday, through July 16.

“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,” Whitmer said in a statement Thursday. “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.”

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By declaring a state of emergency, a governor can make statewide orders without nearly as much action. A state of emergency is not the same as a stay-home order and does not require residents to stay home.

Whitmer's decision to extend the order comes the day after she said Michigan schools would return to some form of in-person instruction in the Fall, another move that was made as coronavirus numbers trend downward.

The state, which has reported 60,618 cases of the virus overall as well as 5,818 total death attributed to it, reported 225 new cases and 26 new deaths Thursday. However, she said despite the progress the state has seen, Michiganders must remain cautious.

Whitmer has continuously cited a report released by the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team, which she said shows the aggressive actions taken early on during the coronavirus pandemic have significantly lowered the number of cases and deaths that would have occurred had the state done nothing. Without intervention, Michigan might have experienced 28,000 more positive cases before June 1, according to Whitmer.

“The data backs it up: The Stay Home, Stay Safe Order undeniably saved lives,” Whitmer said. “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 case counts of the coronavirus, Whitmer has relaxed restrictions over the last several weeks on business activities and daily life.

On June 1, 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. On June 10, 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 4, Whitmer said.