Whitmer Extends State Of Emergency In Michigan

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended Michigan's state of emergency declaration to Oct. 1, the governor's office announced Thursday. The previous order was set to expire Friday.

Whitmer said in a statement that with the number of coronavirus cases growing, the virus remains a real threat to Michigan residents.

"COVID-19 is a novel virus with many unknowns, but we do know that it is widespread, it is easily transmitted, and its effects can be fatal," Whitmer said. "We must continue to take this seriously and do everything we can to protect ourselves and all Michiganders from COVID-19.

“By extending the state of emergency, we can continue the crucial work needed to save lives. Since March, I have been committed to using every tool at my disposal to protect families, frontline workers, and our economy from the threat of COVID-19. I urge Michiganders to do their part by wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and staying safe and smart.”

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The state of emergency should not be confused for the stay-home order, which was lifted in June. The state of emergency declaration allows state governors to make executive orders that affected the entire state.

As of Thursday, more than 104,000 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Michigan. Over 6,500 deaths have been reported.

In early August, every region in Michigan saw an uptick in new cases which recently put Michigan past the 100,000 COVID-19 cases mark, state heath officials said in a news release. The state’s percent positivity remains below the national average: in Michigan, 3.3 percent of all COVID-19 tests administered were positive, whereas nationally it was 6.1 percent. Michigan has a considerably lower percent positivity than surrounding states, according to the state.

Whitmer said that the science continues to show that this virus can affect everyone, including children. The governor's office noted that, in an alarming trend, both nationwide and in Michigan, younger people have constituted a growing share of new cases.

Officials reiterated the importance of wearing masks, socially distancing and washing hands.