​Whitmer: Masks, Social Distancing Key To Keeping Michigan Open

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents to wear masks and practice social distancing as disputes continue between state officials regarding her executive powers.

Whitmer late Monday released a video on social media calling out to Michiganders, state legislature, President Donald Trump and Congress to each do their part to assist families, front line workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“For the past seven months, I’ve been making the tough decisions that took us from the state with the 3rd highest cases of COVID-19 per million in March and April, to the 33rd highest in September," Whitmer said.

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As of Monday, Michigan has reported nearly 130,000 cases of the coronavirus. More than 6,800 people in the state have died from COVID-19, according to state health officials. Nearly 100,000 people in Michigan have recovered from the virus.

Whitmer said that Michigan has seen one of the best economic recoveries in the nation, adding that studies conclude actions taken by her administration saved thousands of lives.

But the governor said partisan politics led to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday that takes away her executive authority, a move she said will lead to increased cases and "uncertainty, disruption, and possibly greater risk to our economy, more people quarantined, and more deaths."

Questions remain regarding when the Supreme Court's decision takes effect. State GOP leaders such as House Speaker Lee Chatfield have maintained that the decision was effective immediately, while Whitmer's administration has interpreted Michigan Supreme Court law in a way that would give them a 21-day grace period before the ruling takes effect.

Whitmer asked for clarity on the issue Monday along with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon, who went so far as to issue his own emergency order restricting gathering sizes and requiring face coverings in public spaces.

“The CDC and public health experts agree that wearing masks and practicing safe physical distancing are crucial to slow the spread of the virus, protect our frontline workers, and keep our schools and small businesses open," Whitmer said. “Michiganders, here’s what we need you to do: please take this virus seriously by wearing a mask when you go out, washing hands, and maintaining six feet of physical distance. Get a flu shot. Taking this action is essential to keeping our small businesses and schools open. COVID 19 didn’t stop being a threat because the court ruling, or because we’ve tired of it, or because the legislature left town.

“Let us not squander the sacrifice we have made to get to this point. We all have to do our part. You can protect the brave men and women on the front lines who are working every day to keep us safe. The health care workers and first responders, grocery store employees, child care workers, and all of the people who have been putting their lives on the line since day one.”

Read More:

• Whitmer's Emergency Powers Have Been Struck Down. Now What?
• Whitmer Seeks Executive Power Clarification From MI Supreme Court
  
• Michigan Health Director Issues Order Requiring Face Coverings