Whitmer Meets With White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx in Lansing Wednesday morning to discuss the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor also expressed her concerns with the CDC's abrupt change last week to discourage asymptomatic testing even among individuals who may have been exposed. The updated guidance runs counter to what is known of the coronavirus, Whitmer said, and jeopardizes the ability to safely return to school and work.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Dr. Birx as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan," Whitmer said in a statement. "This virus remains a serious threat to our families, our frontline workers, and our economy, and what’s needed is more support at the federal level to help us expand testing, ensure everyone wears a mask while in public, support our frontline workers and small businesses, and save lives.

“I reiterated the need for enhanced federal leadership and clear, consistent communication across the Administration during my meeting with Dr. Birx, and I am hopeful that she will take this message back to the president in order to help us protect our families.”

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During her meeting with Birx, Whitmer said she further reiterated the need for a national mask mandate she said could save thousands of American lives.

The governor also spoke with Birx about the role the Michigan National Guard plays in implementing Michigan’s testing plan. The Michigan National Guard has been crucial in assisting the Department of Corrections with testing MDOC staff and people serving time in Michigan prisons, Whitmer said. To date, the state has also facilitated testing for over 40,837 residents and staff in nursing homes.

President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent state cost share for funding the Michigan National Guard COVID-19 response from Aug. 21 to Dec. 31, which Whitmer said places additional financial burdens on the state, making it more difficult for the Michigan National Guard to support the state’s testing goals and save lives.

In her meeting with Birx, the governor said she requested the administration restore full federal funding for the Michigan National Guard to support Michigan’s testing operations in vulnerable settings like nursing homes and prisons.