Gov. Gretchen Whitmer To Michiganders: 'Please Mask Up'

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday urged state residents to wear a mask when in public, citing a recent uptick in new coronavirus cases, especially over the Fourth of July holiday.

Whitmer's announcement came a day after she hinted during a radio interview that she may extend the Michigan state of emergency order. It also comes after the state reported its highest single-day increase in new cases of the virus since May.

"Over the past week, we have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Michigan, and over the holiday weekend we saw countless Michiganders gather in large groups to celebrate the Fourth of July without a mask," Whitmer said. "I want to be very clear. Right now, the law requires that anyone in an enclosed public space has to wear a mask, and that means every store you're going into.

"We cannot let our guard down."

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Michigan reported 610 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the case total to 67,237, according to data provided by the state. It was highest single-day increase in new cases the state had reported since May.

In addition, the state added 10 new deaths attributed to the virus, upping its death toll to 6,015.

As of Wednesday, Michigan ranked 12th in the U.S. in total coronavirus cases, according to data provided by the World Health Organization. It was No. 7 in the nation in coronavirus deaths. It had previously ranked as high as third in both categories.

While the state has seen an uptick, it has not seen the quick spread and growth of new cases other states, such as Texas or Florida, have seen. The total number of coronavirus cases in Florida rose to 213,794 earlier this week. Texas on Tuesday crossed the 10,000 mark in terms of new cases of the coronavirus, shattering the previous record by more than 2,000.

During her news conference Thursday, Whitmer said Michiganders need to do their part to prevent Michigan from putting up similar numbers. Whitmer said wearing a mask reduces the chance of spreading the coronavirus by about 70 percent.

"It took less than two weeks for Florida to go from 100,000 to 200,000 positive cases, and the cases there are still climbing," she said. "That can happen very quickly anywhere in this country if we drop our guard statewide."