Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency to September 4

 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the emergency and disaster declaration on Friday, pushing the orders back until September 4.

Whitmer’s previous emergency declaration was set to expire on August 11.

“We are in a crucial time in our fight against COVID-19, and we must do everything we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis from a second wave,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Today, I signed new emergency and disaster declarations using independent sources of statutory authority to continue saving lives.”

Every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in news cases over the past several weeks, according to the governor’s office. The state’s positivity rate has also increased from two percent in mid-June to 3.5 percent in July. Michigan’s positivity rate is still lower than the nine percent average, the governor’s office said.

As of Friday, Michigan has more than 85,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of 6,247, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The state’s fatality rate is 7.3 percent.

“COVID-19 is still devastating families across Michigan, and it’s crucial that Governor Whitmer continue to take swift action to save lives,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun in a statement. “I will continue to work alongside her as we make decisions to protect families’ health and safety. Michiganders should still do their part by wearing a mask and practicing safe physical distancing. Be smart, and stay safe.”

Most of Michigan is currently in stage four, according to the MI Safe Start Map. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula is in stage three.

“I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to protect Michiganders from the spread of this virus,” Whitmer said. “I want to remind everyone in Michigan to wear a mask, practice safe physical distancing, and do everything in your power to fight COVID-19.”

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Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.Email her at [email protected].
Photo “Gretchen Whitmer” by Gretchen Whitmer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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