LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the closure of all K-12 school buildings, public, private, and boarding, to students starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. School buildings are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6. She announced the order in a broadcast late Thursday, March 12, 2020.
As of tonight, the number of presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan is 12.
“This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” Whitmer said. “I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”
“Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” said Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice. “The Department of Education will continue to work closely with our partners in state government to help our students and educators in each school district get through this time. This is about protecting the most people in Michigan.”
Governors across the country, including Mike DeWine (R-OH), Andy Beshear (D-KY), and Larry Hogan (R-MD), have taken similar steps to close schools and ensure the protection of children and families in their states.
Whitmer said she expects more cases in the days ahead. “we’ve always known that coronavirus would happen in Michigan,” she said, adding that’s why she opened the state’s emergency operaitons center. She referred questions about estimates of possible cases to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.
She didn’t suggest a number, but said tests are being done daily and the goal is to get results within 24 hours for each test. As of Thursday, she said, Michigan had an adequate number of tests, and private labs have the tests as well. She said “it’s incredibly important” that the fedeal government keep up with the demand for tests. She said she isn’t sure the federal government will be able to meet the demand if it spikes.
Anyone concerned about having COVID-19 should talk to their personal doctor, she said.
“Closing our school buildings is the smart thing and the right thing to do for the public’s health,” Khaldun said. “These actions will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. I will continue to work with Gov. Whitmer and our four COVID-19 task forces to ensure we protect our children, our families, and our communities.”
She said the state’s website may not reflect the full number of cases, because private labs are also doing testing.
Whitmer said most schools’ schedules line up with spring break, so students will only miss two weeks, though that could be adjusted, based on how the pandemic develops. She said childcare facilities, unless they are part of a school-based program will not be ordered closed at this time.
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 includes:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
