Michigan Senators Extend Emergency Declaration

MICHIGAN — State senators on Tuesday extended the Michigan emergency declaration, reportedly while wearing respiratory face masks and anti-coronavirus attire.

The Detroit News reported that senators voted in favor of extending the state emergency declaration for 23 days, through April 30. A separate motion for a 70-day extension was rejected, the News reported, prior to the 23-day extension being approved.

While voting, many senators opted to wear N95 respiratory face masks, according to The News. Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist posted to social media with a shirt he wore during the hearing, with the words "Everybody vs COVID-19" on it.

The number of staff members in the chamber totalled a handful; legislators maintained a distance of six feet between themselves and remained standing during session, computers and voting buttons were not used and before entering the Capitol, everyone was required to pass a health screening administered by the Michigan State Police with the assistance of medical professionals, according to a press release by the Michigan GOP.